La Triennale and the Castle Cats
Today we walked around the moat and through the grounds of the Sforza Castle and visited a great design gallery called La Triennale.
We went to see an exhibition about Aldo Coppola – an artist – an Italian hairdresser but more than that of course – an icon himself – he created fashions, hair and looks. This was a quintessential Milanese exhibition. Coppola worked together with some of the most famous faces and photographers of our time and what a time! This exhibition is extraordinary. It is in one way a photographic exhibition but in another way a book about hair and passion. Almost womb-like in its presentation with loud swelling uplifting music. It appealed to the senses. 
I wondered though who designed the actual exhibition, who had the images transplanted onto fabric that was then wound in two long tunnels of light and movement. Who designed and constructed the exhibition on hair design. I think that the name of the curator should be on the bill too because this was a feast. 
When we emerged from the darkened and beautiful space I felt proud to be a woman. The eyes of these women were alive and vivacious.
There were other attractions in the gallery too – and many, many children. This little boy was sitting at the base of the grand marble staircase singing to himself.
The Milanese love their children and their dogs. 
And the cats in their castle: Castello Sforzesco. These cats are protected by law and fed every day by cat-ladies on their bikes. 
The castle was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. But I did not feel like braving the Sunday crowds.
So we sauntered around it instead, calling to the cats (they ignored us as we were not official cat-ladies) and swapping stories as you do. This castle is a fortress, not pretty like some other castles. From the exterior it is forbidding.
On the way home I watched the light fade into the windows of Milan.
Oh and compare the above apartment building with the featured image of the fortress castle (below). There are similarities.
All they both need is a bristle of bows strung with arrows showing through the holes.
This city that must be discovered. It does not wear its heart on its sleeve, you must put on its coat to smell the real scent of Milan. You have to get very, very close.
Tomorrow I will hand you over to my next two guest writers. I will wend my weary and very satisfied way home and next time we speak (if all goes well) I will be back on the farm where John and all the animals eagerly await my arrival.
Travel feeds my soul as surely as the prairies do. And I actually need both to survive.
See you soon
Love celi
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That’s a very cool exhibition!
Buon viaggio 🙂
Yes – I think you would have loved it
Very interesting. I love old castles and someday…. I will visit a few.
Every old castle is different. I am sure each new owner added their ‘modernizations’.
Glad that you found time to see that exhibit. Coppola’s work could not have found a better home. If it was too crowded to tour the castle on a Sunday in February, imagine what it would be like on a Sunday in July! This is why I travel in spring or fall. Have a safe, hassle-free trip home, Celi.
Exactly what I was thinking while meandering through Milan… if the crowds are so busy now, just think of summer ones! A wonderful holiday you’ve taken us on, Ms C, thank you. Safe travels home and we’ll see you on the farm. We’ve had heavy snow this weekend and I wonder what you’ll find when you return to your digs in the U.S. ~ Mame 🙂
Exactly. This is the perfect time to travel. The weather, though no sun has. Even perfect for lots of walking
Smooth travels home.
Yes. I hope so too. It has been a bit easy so far which makes me nervous! C
Just lovely. All the colors. I’m sure the food scents are lovely as well.
The food has been great. Eating all my favourites.
Mmmm- I’ll bet. I can just imagine.
oh mama mia! What a city! And the cats! I love this! Safe travels my friend and happy home coming!
They are beautiful fat and fluffy cats too – very healthy
Wow! Even the cat ladies are smartly dressed in Milano! And that exhibit…Wow again! We are traveling to Italy this fall to visit the city my grandparents were from but it is in the south, so I don’t think we will get to Milano but what an amazing city for the senses! Thank-you for taking us on this wonderful journey! Ciao!
Ciao Bella.
Ciao Bella.
What an outstanding exhibition. I agree with you on the layout of it, very compelling. And I adore that first photograph of the girl with windswept hair running through the corridor, — priceless!
I love children in galleries- they don’t care about the art – they just love the space and the sounds. ..,
Another feast of photos for us to enjoy. And I agree with what you say about the curators….I have seen beautiful art so badly displayed that you feel frustrated and robbed of what the real experience should be. Safe travels miss c!
I think curators at this level
Are artists themselves
Thank you for the cat pictures. I love them every bit as much as I do dog photos. Beautiful women in those photos!!
Yes- don’t they sparkle
I agree! A beautifully curated exhibition deserves acknowledgment. Just imagine how many images she or or will have sifted through to find just exactly the right ones to encapsulate and communicate Coppola’s work. And the format is, as you say, remarkably clever. I’m so glad you’ve had a satisfying and refreshing adventure, and have safe travels home to the Farmy. We too eagerly await your return, and the resumption of the daily round…
Refreshing is just the word for it!
So glad you had more food for the soul . . . A smile that you did manage to put ‘function’ and ‘history’ and ‘art’ side-by-side on quite a few of your takes today! Children, many of them, around the gallery – that is how European youngsters are brought up . . . they learn about art and music and design and . . . almost from the day they are born. I still hugely appreciate my own background in that sense. Laugh at the kitty-cats: in the days my girls were growing up the same phenomenon was prevalent inside the Colosseum in Rome and on quite a few occasions the girls managed to ‘rob’ our hotel kitchens, make ‘secret pacts’ with the ‘resident’ carozza driver and take ‘breakfast’ to the pussies . . . a happy trip home, Celi, but I do wish time had not moved so fast 🙂 !!
Although my children did not grow up with hotels and drivers they were the same as your girls in having the run of the galleries. We went to many openings because there was good and s glass of wine for mama. Good memories
Just to make matters straight 🙂 ! My apologies but it has been a huge week with bad health!!! I was NOT ‘comparing’ personally . . . . European children simply are brought up in a somewhat different way . . . actually don’t recall my daughters having ‘drivers’ 🙂 ! What on earth ? Perchance that darling boy singing did not have supper for the night!!
I never have been attracted by this City. But with your stunning photos you’ve inspired me and ignited a little flame, still glowing… but the time will come – YES, now I WANT to see Milano!
Get home safe and sound…
I hope you are well Irmi darling
And still working ?
Yes, Celi, thank you for asking. – Did you arrive well back home? So welcome you!
I have enjoyed traveling with you so much, Celi. But as a homebody living with an aged dog & cats, I was pleased to read your words that acknowledge need of Your John & the beloved Farmy Animals, all watching & waiting for your safe return, renewed & refreshed. Thank you for visiing new realms & insights. And Safe Landings & a Happy Homecoming!
Thank you darling – off I go again
The city calls to us occasionally, and we dine and celebrate gladly while we’re there… but oh, it will be lovely to come back home and nestle down with Sheila and have some wonderful conversation. 🙂
I miss Sheila
I know you do… your soul is attached to hers. 🙂
Wonderful roundup of a great trip, safe travels home to the farmy. Laura
Getting on the plane now – the safe bit is out of my hands thankfully
Once again, you do the city honor with your honest and understanding observations.
You are a wonderful woman- I loved Milan- and the people i met there
I would love that exhibition. Sounds wonderful.
It was wonderful – like stepping into
Another world
Being an ardent animal lover l was pleased to hear that cats are protected and officially fed. I wish that would happen in Bulgaria which has no animal protection laws and animals are treated very badly. It is good that you are enjoying yourself and you will have many happy memories to take home with you.Travel certainly does broaden the mind.. Thank you for lovely pictures..stay safe
Travel is like food to
Me – you are right in that it helps one grow as a person.
Many lovely photos here. I like the boy on the steps
Thank you because that one is my favourite too!
Glad you had such a good time on your travels, Celi! 🌹
I love to travel!
Me too! Wish I could do more…
Grazie.
I arrive in Italy tomorrow. I might just have to go up to Milan to see that exhibition.
Dear Celi, I want to let you know, that I will be at Milano on Saturdays… I’ve booked a short-short trip by bus with a friend and we will have a 9 hour’s stay there before we have to return. Bus starts Friday night at 12:30 am and will arrive at eight in the morning. I am sure we will get a vivid impression and be sure, Celi, I will be thinking of you a lot when being there… ;-). It was you who ignited the fire… I’m so looking forward to that little excursion.