The captivating history of the “Gefängnis Le Carceri” art gallery is as compelling as its exhibitions
Image gallery: Gefängnis Le Carceri Gallery
Few know that the district court prison once stood in the village centre of Caldaro. Built in the 17th century under Claudia de' Medici, Regent of the Austrian County of Tyrol, it served its purpose until the 1970s. After its closure, the "old prison" was transferred from the state to the region and finally to the municipality. The municipality renovated the building and established the base for the health and social district there. Particular attention was paid to the former cell block.
The small rooms with their barred windows were preserved. Equipped with new wooden floors and a new staircase, they were made accessible to the public as a cultural meeting place. Since 2005, the block has housed the Gefängnis Le Carceri Gallery. The historic furnishings, such as tiled stoves and wooden doors in the low-ceilinged cells, lend the exhibitions a unique atmosphere.
Each year, four modern art exhibitions are held here, following the concept of 1+1=1: One South Tyrolean artist and one international artist engage in dialogue and jointly create an exhibition.
How to get there: The gallery is located on the Colle dei Frati hill in Caldaro, called Paterbichl in local dialect. A bus stop is just a few steps away at the Piazza del Mercato (Market Square).
Contact info
- Colle dei Frati / Pater Bühel - 39052 - Caldaro / Kaltern
- +39 333 2874 345
- info@gefaengnislecarcerigalerie.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
free admission
More information
The Gefängnis Le Carceri Gallery stays open every year from April to September, in this period four exhibitions according to the concept 1+1=1 are organised:
* 1st exhibition (April 18 - May 18, 2025): Jette Hampe | Christine Gallmetzer
* 2nd exhibition (May 30 - June 29, 2025): Nick Havelka and Michael Plessl | Max Brenner
* 3rd exhibition (July 11 - August 16, 2025): Viktor Lundgaard | Elisa Bergmann
* 4th exhibition (August 29 - September 28, 2025): Martin Kargruber | Willi Verginer
Inauguration always the day before. The gallery remainds closed during the setup of the respective exhibition and in winter. Season start 2025 on April 18.
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