Fontanellato, Italy – The Labirinto della Masone, created by Franco Maria Ricci, will reopen to the public on February 8, 2025, marking its 10th anniversary. This iconic labyrinth, which features over 300,000 bamboo plants, is both a physical maze and a cultural invitation to explore art and nature.
The Labirinto della Masone was born from a promise made in 1977 to Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, who was captivated by the symbol of the labyrinth. In 2015, Franco Maria Ricci, along with architects Pier Carlo Bontempi and Davide Dutto, turned this dream into reality in Fontanellato (PR), creating a unique blend of real and imagined spaces.
o celebrate its decade of existence, the Labirinto will launch an ambitious digitalization project aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, especially for the elderly and those with mobility and visual impairments. This initiative is funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program, part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and is developed in collaboration with Spazio Geco, a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and cultural experts.
The digital project includes two main components: On-Site Experience Enhancement: A custom app will provide visitors with engaging narratives and new content during their exploration of the bamboo labyrinth and museum. Interactive totems featuring tactile maps and QR codes will allow guests to unlock audio-visual content tailored to their interests. Web Implementation: The Labirinto’s website will feature accessible content for remote visitors, including a virtual tour for those unable to visit in person. Live streaming of certain events will also be available.
The app, available in English and Italian, offers three narrative paths: “An Editor and His Labyrinth,” “Art and Bamboo,” and “The Curator’s Challenges,” providing diverse perspectives on Franco Maria Ricci’s world.
The Labirinto della Masone will host a rich cultural program starting with the evening series “ORA D’ARTE” on February 28, 2025, featuring contemporary discussions on lesser-known cultural narratives. From March 29 to July 13, 2025, the exhibition “From Serafini to Luigi: The Egg, The Skeleton, The Rainbow” will showcase the career of artist Luigi Serafini, whose “Codex Seraphinianus” was first published by Ricci in 1981.
Additionally, the immersive festival “LOST” will return on July 4-6, 2025, celebrating contemporary electronic music and art through a curated selection of artists.
The Labirinto della Masone continues to evolve as a cultural hub, blending nature, art, and innovative technology to create a unique experience for all visitors. As it reopens, it promises to be a vibrant meeting place for local and international guests alike.
For more information, visit the Labirinto della Masone’s official website or follow their social media channels.