The collaboration between the Municipality of Portomaggiore, the Emilia-Romagna Region and the MIC – Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche di Faenza continues to give new cultural and touristic impetus to the Delizia Estense del Verginese.
After the success of the exhibition “In the Sign of Bacchus,” curated by the MIC of Faenza and realized last year thanks to an agreement with the Region (for a 10,000-euro grant), the exhibition has been extended until Jan. 31, 2026 following the excellent response from the public. The numerous guided tours with tasting, always sold out, confirmed the strong interest in the new exhibition area located on the second floor of the Delizia.
In continuation of this positive experience, the Municipality of Portomaggiore has submitted a new project proposal to the Emilia-Romagna Region, in synergy with the MIC of Faenza, for the creation of a new exhibition layout and for a broader redevelopment of the Delizia del Verginese.
The region has welcomed the proposal, preparing a new agreement that provides for a contribution of 120,000 euros, with a co-participation fee for the institution. The project includes both the setting up of the new exhibition and extraordinary maintenance works at the Villa del Verginese, including waterproofing works, maintenance of fixtures, cleaning of the pallets and overhaul of the electrical system, so as to make the structure increasingly suitable for hosting major events and exhibitions.
The new 2026 display, curated by the MIC in Faenza, will be titled “Love is a Delight – amatory customs and themes in 16th-century maiolica,” and draws inspiration from the love affair between Alfonso I d’Este and Laura Dianti, the duke’s companion after the death of Lucrezia Borgia and probably his third wife, to whom Alfonso donated the Verginese mansion as a pledge of their love.
The theme of love runs through the entire exhibition, expressed in the scenes, inscriptions and decorative motifs of the ceramics, which were created to celebrate special moments such as engagements, weddings and births. The exhibition will feature some 30 Renaissance maiolica pieces belonging to the so-called amatory pottery, one of the most representative and fascinating types of 16th-century ceramic production.
“With this new project at the Delizia Estense del Verginese we renew our commitment to enhance a heritage that represents the identity and beauty of the Portomaggiore area. The collaboration with the Emilia-Romagna Region and with the MIC of Faenza testifies to our desire to continue investing in culture, making the Delizia an increasingly lively place, capable of interweaving history and art”-the words of Deputy Mayor Francesca Molesini.
“Our museum is very keen on creating synergies for the enhancement of heritages. – concludes Claudia Casali, director MIC Faenza – La Delizia del Virginese is unique in its kind and is a place that lends itself to a cultural dialogue in history and art. This project, launched last year thanks to the fundamental contribution of the Region, aims to tell the story of a territory and its excellences, through paths conceived and designed ad hoc by the curator of MIC Faenza Valentina Mazzotti. It is an important project that we hope will continue over the years, delivering new insights and insights to visitors.”
