Given its rich heritage of Renaissance and Baroque treasures, Italy was slow in turning its attention to the modern era. Within the past decade, the situation has dramatically changed. New exhibition venues focused on contemporary art, urban renewal projects, and an expanded gallery scene have significantly elevated the country's stature as a place where cutting-edge creativity is flourishing. The ground laid by Arte Povera, Transavanguardia (leading art movements), Renzo Piano, Aldo Rossi, Gae Aulenti (renowned architects), Alessi, Kartell, Memphis, Cappellini (designers) is given due prominence alongside trailblazing work by young talents, both Italian and foreign. Castello di Rivoli—one of Europe’s premier venues for contemporary art—stands at the helm of Italy’s museum realm. Other museums, part of a veritable building boom, can now be found in Bergamo, Bologna, Bolzano, Milan, Rovereto, Turin, Varese, Venice, and Verona. Complementing these institutions are topnotch exhibition programs and public art projects sponsored by private foundations, such as Prada, Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, and Trussardi. The Venice Biennale, the preeminent international art exhibition, and ARTissima, a lively art fair, further enhance the art scene. art-SITES NORTHERN ITALY is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a visit to the region. Compelling commentaries on museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, design showrooms, public art, architecture, urban redevelopment projects, film centers, arts bookstores, fairs, and festivals are accompanied by illustrations, neighborhood maps, suggested walking tours, and nitty-gritty information. If you already find Italy’s historical culture, wondrous countryside, and tasty cuisine irresistible, this superb handbook will lead you down exciting new paths of exploration. · informative, jargon-free commentaries · where to see work by internationally acclaimed and emerging artists, architectures, and designers · 145 illustrations, 8 detail maps and city tour routes · addresses, contact information, websites, access hours, admission fees, helpful hints