Lecco Celebrates 30 Years of Palliative Care with City-Wide Art Exhibition

Lecco, Italy, is set to host a unique cultural event in 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of ACMT OdV Lecco, a non-profit organization dedicated to palliative care. The exhibition, titled “Nicola Villa – Trajectories of Attimi – 30 years of ACMT OdV,” will transform the city into an open-air museum, showcasing the work of local artist Nicola Villa and highlighting the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.

A Legacy of Care Since 1996

Founded in 1996 by Dr. Gabriella Malgarini Zanini, ACMT OdV Lecco has been a vital partner to the Local Palliative Care Network (Hospice Resegone and Domiciliary Palliative Care) and structures caring for complex patients. The organization’s commitment extends beyond medical support, emphasizing the role of volunteering in providing essential care and companionship to those facing life-limiting illnesses. ACMT OdV Lecco aims to renew its commitment to the community and local healthcare institutions through this anniversary celebration.

Art as a Bridge to Understanding

The exhibition, curated by Michele Tavola, will span from June 27 to September 20, 2026 and feature installations in prominent locations throughout Lecco, including Torre Viscontea, Palazzo delle Paure, Piazza XX Settembre, Palazzo Belgiojoso, the Basilica of San Nicolò, and the Alessandro Manzoni Hospital’s Hospice Resegone. The project aims to foster a dialogue about dignity, care, and the value of palliative care, even when a cure is not possible.

Nicola Villa’s Vision: Care, Connection, and Technology

Artist Nicola Villa, known for his work exhibited internationally, integrates traditional painting techniques with digital experimentation. His work centers on the themes of care and connection, viewing the hospice as a “bridge” during a critical time in life and art as a bridge to a deeper dimension. Villa aims to create an accessible, interactive experience, blending technology and science with artistic expression.

Community Support and Civic Recognition

The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from the Lecco municipal administration. Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Culture, Simona Piazza, emphasized the exhibition’s potential to transform the city and facilitate conversations about end-of-life care. Monsignor Bortolo Uberti, the provost of Lecco, highlighted the synergy between care and art, noting the significance of hosting an exhibition within the Basilica of San Carlo, a space historically associated with times of plague, and suffering.

Looking Ahead

“Nicola Villa – Trajectories of Attimi – 30 years of ACMT OdV” promises a year of engagement, discussion, and community participation. The event underscores the importance of palliative care and its central role in public discourse, aiming to maintain a high level of awareness and support for those navigating life’s most vulnerable moments.