Information
Duration
1.5 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with an English-speaking guide.
Included
Licensed English-speaking guide.
Not included
Museum entrance ticket. For current fees and reductions, visit sonnabendmantova.it
Meeting point
Palazzo della Ragione, Piazza Erbe 13, Mantua. View map
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of the activity. In case of cancellation after this deadline or no-show on the day of the activity, no refund will be given.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible.
Pets
Animals on leashes are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs for the visually impaired and blind, but small animals are permitted in the rooms if carried in their own carrier.
Tour details of Sonnabend Collection in Mantua
Introduction
Hidden within the refined fabric of Mantua’s historic center, the Sonnabend Gallery is a place where contemporary art meets the timeless elegance of a UNESCO-listed city. Visiting this gallery is not just an encounter with art, but a journey into stories, ideas, and creative visions that dialogue with Mantua’s extraordinary cultural heritage.
Founded by the legendary art dealer Ileana Sonnabend, the gallery represents a pivotal chapter in the history of international contemporary art. Throughout her career, Sonnabend played a crucial role in introducing European audiences to groundbreaking American artists and in supporting some of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Names such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, and Cy Twombly are closely associated with her vision, as well as later protagonists like Jeff Koons and other leading voices of contemporary art.
Today, the Sonnabend Gallery in Mantua continues this legacy, presenting works of art that reflect the innovative spirit of these artists and the movements they helped define, from Pop Art to Neo-Dada and beyond. The gallery’s elegant and intimate spaces allow visitors to engage closely with works that have shaped modern and contemporary visual culture.
Exploring the gallery with a licensed local guide
Exploring the gallery with a licensed local guide adds depth and meaning to the visit. A professional guide does more than explain the artworks: they provide historical and artistic context, share anecdotes about the artists and the gallery’s history, and help visitors understand why figures like Warhol or Rauschenberg revolutionized the way we look at art. This approach makes contemporary art accessible and engaging, even for those encountering it for the first time.
A guided visit also highlights the unique relationship between the Sonnabend Gallery and the city of Mantua itself.
Who Is This Guided Tour For?
Whether you are an art lover, a curious traveller, or simply looking for an authentic cultural experience, a visit to the Sonnabend Gallery offers a rare opportunity to see Mantua from a different perspective. It is an invitation to slow down, observe, and engage with iconic artists and ideas—guided by someone who knows the city, its history, and its hidden cultural treasures.
Discover the Sonnabend Gallery , and let contemporary art become an unforgettable part of your Mantua experience.
