Not simply a private house but also an atelier and an exhibition area. On the artist's wishes Villa Vela has had this triple function right from the beginning: a house-cum-museum open to artists and the public. Vincenzo Vela's ideals were honoured when the villa was donated to the Swiss Confederation, and today it is considered one of the most important artists' houses of the nineteenth century and unquestionably the most significant in Switzerland.
In consequence, the Museo Vela will host the national convention "Private universe and public space: artists' houses as museums", organised by ASSSA. For two days art historians, researchers and experts will discuss the theme of artists' houses, from the historic models of Villa Canova in Possagno to the Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen and Casa Depero in Rovereto. In particular, the convention - the first on this subject to be held in Switzerland - will debate the limits and opportunities offered by house-museums. The sessions will be open to all those interested: artists, scholars and art lovers.