by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: FVG councilor for culture, Mario Anzil
The exhibition “Confini da Gauguin a Hopper. Canto con variazioni” at Villa Manin has attracted 32,917 visitors since its opening, according to figures released on Monday. The attendance data, presented by Mario Anzil, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s vice governor for culture, cover the first 53 days: 10,310 visitors in October, 17,702 in November, and 4,905 in early December.
Speaking alongside curator Marco Goldin and Lydia Alessio-Vernì, director of the Regional Authority for Cultural Heritage (Erpac), Anzil described the exhibition’s reception as “extraordinarily positive.” He highlighted that, beyond the numbers and the nationwide draw of visitors, many attendees expressed delight at discovering the region through the exhibition.
“Even though the exhibition had been widely covered by the media, many were surprised to see such a large concentration of important works in a single venue,” Anzil said.
Officials also announced a special holiday event at Villa Manin on December 26. Starting at 6 p.m., a video-mapping display inspired by the exhibition will be projected across the façade of the historic complex, accompanied by music composed by Remo Anzovino. The program will conclude at 6:45 p.m. with a 15-minute fireworks show. Tickets are €8, with reduced rates for exhibition admission.
Anzil emphasized that the event aims to engage visitors actively with art. The exhibition’s themes will extend beyond the museum spaces into the surrounding plazas, blending historical and contemporary forms of expression. He described the evening as an opportunity for attendees to become “part of the artistic experience,” with the gathering itself serving as a living artwork.
Highlighting the social dimension of the event, Anzil said it encourages attendees to reconnect with community and shared cultural experiences, noting that, in a complex time, taking moments to enjoy art together carries symbolic significance.
