Antonio Bassanini. 20th century builder

The Bassanini heirs, in collaboration with the Municipality of Varese, ANCE Varese, and the “Amici di Piero Chiara” Association, present the second stage of the exhibition on Antonio Bassanini 20th century builder. Edited by Chiara Bassanini, Giovanna Franco Repellini, e Andrea Strambio de Castillia, the exhibition is held at the Masnago Castle and the headquarters of the’ANCE of Varese. The aim is to disseminate, promote and deepen the figure of Antonio Bassanini and its significant entrepreneurial activity.

The exhibition aims to disseminate the history of the builder, who is often overlooked with respect to architects, but who was fundamental to urban development in Lombardy and Italy. Bassanini played a key role in linking architectural design and construction, managing numerous construction sites and thousands of workers. It used innovative materials and a solid business organisation.

Divided into thematic sections, the exhibition features a biographical section with personal letters, memoirs, medals, and a video interview with the curators. An interactive station shows the constructions of Bassanini, while a section details the company's constructions. The sections on urban, public, industrial and religious buildings and the EUR, with in-depth looks at the relationship between Bassanini and architects, complete the itinerary.

Each section is enriched with historical and recent photographs, explanatory texts, documents and videos, plans and models from the’Bassanini Technical Office or by cultural institutions.