The Musei of Monte Verità (literally Hill of Truth) were created as proof of the incredible artistic and philosophical – but also mystic and religious – experience started by several intellectuals and artists during the early 20th century. They founded a lively and heterogeneous community of utopians, vegetarians, nudists and theosophers – a true alternative movement.
Short history of Monte Verità
In 1900, Enri Oedenkoven (son of a rich industrial from Antwerp) bought the hill on which he and his partner, Ida Hofmann, and some friends, established the first nucleus of the community of Monte Verità. The same name given to the hill behind Ascona comes from the idea of exclusively using the area on the mountain to search for the truth. However, after 4 years the couple also decided to add a nursing home to the community. As a result, many of their friends abandoned the community as they were against this view to profit. This period is also remembered as the artistic parenthesis, as exterior beauty was being searched for more than the truth.
In 1927, Baron Eduard von der Heydt purchased Monte Verità and while several followers of the movement emigrated to Brazil, he made it a reference point for many European intellectuals: Carl Gustav Jung, Stefan George, Hermann Hesse, Eric Maria Remarque and many others stopped here.
In 1956, the baron left the complex to the Canton Ticino which, according to his will, was to turn it into a cultural centre. That is what it is today – a true magnetic fulcrum for culture and research.
Layout of the Monte Verità Museums
The museums actually include several historic buildings connected to each other through an exhibit focusing on the history of Monte Verità. The central point of this journey is Casa Anatta (Anatta house), the soul itself of the spiritual and philosophical experiences of guests. In fact, anatta in Sanskrit means soul. This is home to a permanent collection where photos, documents and objects illustrate the historic vicissitudes of Monte Verità. Casa Selma (Selma house) is a light-air hut used by the vegetarians to continue the heliotherapy mainly practiced in the park. Casa Centrale (central house) and its original Art Nouveau stairs now home to the restaurant, was the community’s meeting place. The hotel was added in 1992. The hotel (still open today) was designed by Bauhaus exponent Emil Fahrenkamp in 1927. The Elisarion is a typical wooden house built in 1986 for a painting depicting paradise, the Chiaro mondo dei beati, by artist Elisar von Kupffer and on a large circular canvas.
The museum is currently being re-organised and renovated. The new Museo del Monte Verità is expected to open in 2012. However, guided tours of the complex are possible.
Photo gallery Musei of Monte Verità
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