Folligeniali Museum and Art School Bergognone
In Lodi, a one-of-a-kind museum where folly becomes genius
In Lodi, one of the most original art schools in the world, with its Folligeniali Museum, created in 1975 by artist Angelo Frosio - driven by the idea of the healing power of art and that we are all artists, especially those who suffer - is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
There are special places in the world that everyone should see and experience because they are capable of changing our lives.
One of these is the Folligeniali Museum, born as a place to exhibit the works produced in the context of the Bergognone Art School. Opened in Lodi in 1975, it was founded by the artist Angelo Frosio who had started by chance, after coming into contact with a boy who was going through a difficult period, having seen first-hand the benefit he had gained by approaching art.
Art is love and with art madness becomes genius.
(Angelo Frosio)
On the other hand, Angelo Frosio, an art teacher, since he was a child, shows a special sensitivity that leads him to see “what is not seen and that, yet, is what is worth”. Visionary and nonconformist, he will be the first Western artist to exhibit in Russia in 1994 and will develop a great friendship with Peggy Guggenheim who will define him “one of the greatest living artists”.
Thus, driven by his passion for art and the discovery of its strong socio-cultural value, Angelo starts a real “school” in which he makes his art available to everyone, in particular to people affected by physical, cognitive disorders and disabilities, certain that, as history teaches us, there is a very close link between art and madness.
Visiting the Folligeniali Museum, full of works by the students who study at the School, by Angelo, but also by many of his established artist friends (even important works that he often sells in order to help the School grow), is a real emotion, both for the quality of the works exhibited and for the great force of freedom and all-round creativity that it releases.
The Bergognone Art School, thanks to the dissemination work of Angelo Frosio, is, in fact, famous for the many creative provocations that have resulted in exhibitions set up, together with the students, all over the world, from the European Parliament in Strasbourg to the John Reed Fitness gym chain.
Today the Folligeniali Museum is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, once a nursery school made available by the Municipality of Lodi, and, nearby, they are building the next project that Angelo cares about a lot: housing that will allow children, especially those who do not have the support of a family, to live inside the School.
Today the Folligeniali Museum is open to everyone, while the School organizes many day and evening courses in various disciplines – from painting to wood sculpture – for every age group.
A truly unique exhibition space, an explosion of energy and color in every room, where the story of each work brings with it strong emotions and new perceptions, from the gigantic unicorn accompanied by a piano to the crucifix made up of 64 crosses of different shapes and materials, created by the students of the School and by artists-artisans from all over the world.
The Folligeniali Museum and the Bergognone Art School are definitely 2 places where real genius is found, which is why everyone should treat themselves to at least one guided tour.
The Secret
Angelo Frosio, in addition to his artistic career, has always pursued his career as a master cheesemaker expert in probiotics which has led him to travel to events and conferences all over the world (and the reason why we often see him in a white coat).
Useful Info
Museo Folligeniali e Scuola d’Arte Bergognone
Via Marescalca 2
26900 Lodi
Tel. +39 0371 32841
Visits: free, every day from Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00, Sunday by appointment only
