Luci d'artista in Turin: an open-air museum for Christmas
3 minutes
In Italy, it is impossible to imagine Christmas without the colourful illuminations that adorn the main streets of cities and towns from north to south, but there is one city that has chosen to turn this tradition into a unique artistic event.
Luci d'artista in Turin attracts tourists and visitors from all over Italy and Europe every year between late October and early January. Let's take a look at Italy's most beautiful Christmas illuminations, for an unforgettable Christmas in Turin.
The history of Turin's Luci d’Artista, and what's new for 2022
The Turin artist lights' origins date back to 1997, although the current name was only coined in 2001. The city administration decided to involve a number of internationally renowned artists in the creation of unique illuminations. Twenty-five years later, the city of Turin can boast an important heritage of luminous works that transform the Piedmontese capital into a true open-air contemporary art exhibition during the Christmas period.
For the 2022 edition, Christmas in Turin will feature 26 light installations: 17 set up in the city centre and 9 in the surrounding areas. Among these are three never-before-seen works: Io, sono nato qui (I was born here) by Renato Leotta, located on the roof of the Sant'Anna Obstetric and Gynaecological Hospital, AzzurroGiallo (BlueYellow) by Giorgio Griffa, placed in the Gardens of Piazza Cavour, and ...? by Grazia Toderi, situated in Piazza della Repubblica on the dome of the Basilica Mauriziana.
You can admire them by walking through the streets of the city, but if you don't want to miss any of them, you can take advantage of the historic Luci d'Artista tram that leaves from Piazza Castello, opposite the Teatro Regio, and in about 25 minutes takes you around the enchanting scenery created by the Luci d'Artista. If you come to the city by car for the Luci d'Artista, the Piazza Castello car park will be the place to go.
Map of the Luci d'Artista in Turin
It's hard to choose where to start on the Luci d'Artista tour of Turin this year. From the centre to the suburbs, there will be numerous installations in this 2022 edition. From Cosmometrie by Mario Airò in Piazza Carignano to Vele di Natale (Christmas Sails) by Vasco Are in Piazza Foroni, in the local market area, and Ancora una volta (Once more) by Valerio Berruti in the Galleria Subalpina, to Volo su... (Flight over...) by Francesco Casorati in the pedestrian area of Via Di Nanni, Regno dei fiori: nido cosmico di tutte le anime (Kingdom of flowers: cosmic nest of all souls) by Nicola De Maria in Piazza Carlina and L'energia che unisce si espande nel blu (The energy that unites expands in blue) by Marco Gastini in the Galleria Umberto I.
And then, Planetario (Planetarium) by Carmelo Giammello in Via Roma, Migrazione (Climate Change) by Piero Gilardi in the Galleria San Federico, Illuminated Benches by Jeppe Hein in Piazza Risorgimento and L'amore non fa rumore (Love makes no noise) by Luca Pannoli in Corso Cairoli. But the list is even longer.
The work Il Tappeto Volante ('The Flying Carpet') by Daniel Buren will not be available in 2022 due to restoration work.
The opening hours of Luci d'Artista in Turin are the same for all works of art: every day from 18.00 to 23.45 from 27 October to 8 January 2023.
What to see in Turin at Christmas
If you are wondering what to do in Turin in December, prepare to be swept away by the Christmas spirit. Turin's big Christmas tree is set up in the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, but if you want to browse the stalls in search of gift ideas and gastronomic delicacies, you have plenty of options. The Christmas markets in Turin await you in Piazza Castello and Piazza Solferino, but we also recommend a visit to the market in Piazza Santa Rita and the one set up in the Cortile del Maglio.
Also, don't miss a visit to the Reggia di Venaria at Christmas. There, on the outskirts of the city centre, the Natale è Reale (Christmas is Royal) event awaits you with the Elves' village and Father Christmas' House, the elegant nativity scenes from the Imbrenda collection, the Royal Christmas Market located inside the historical Royal Stables, and lots of Christmas street food for a refreshing break.
