by InTrieste
A captivating new exhibition titled “Marvelous Monsters” is set to open at the Museum for Speleology – Speleovivarium in Trieste this Saturday, June 15, at 5:30 PM. The show, curated by the cultural association Opera Viva, showcases the imaginative works of young artists from the Academy of Comics and Graphic Arts of Trieste, drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of the Karst region.
Nestled at Via Guido Reni, 2/C, the Speleovivarium, managed by the Adriatic Society of Speleology, will host this enchanting display, part of the broader “Quattro passi SottoeSopra” project. The exhibition breathes new life into the mythical beings of the Karst — elves, fairies, and legendary creatures that have long populated local lore. These youthful artists, delving into the area’s most cherished tales, bring vivid faces to these storied figures that transcend regional boundaries.
Visitors will be transported to a world of wonder, with the exhibit running through July 20. Appointments can be arranged by calling 3381655327 or 349 1357631, or by emailing speleovivarium@email.it.
Enhancing the exhibition’s allure is a scenic reading titled “Fantastic Breaths.” Performed by promising actors Marco Ghersetich and Ilaria Vecchiet, this presentation will narrate some of the most mesmerizing and unique legends of both the epigean and hypogean Karst. The historical and archival recovery work of dedicated experts will unveil incredible tales: the formation of the Karst, the origins of Trieste’s characteristic wind, the Bora, and the mysterious elves inhabiting the Karstic ravines, along with stories spotlighting local wildlife.
A guided tour of the museum, once an air raid shelter during World War II and now a repository of paleontological finds, minerals, fossils, and speleological equipment, will also be offered. This tour, curated by the Adriatic Society of Speleology, promises to provide a deeper insight into the historical context and natural wonders of the region.
The “Quattro passi SottoeSopra. Twentieth Century Speleology between History and Folklore” project is the brainchild of Lorena Matic and is realized with support from the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and contributions from the CRTrieste Foundation. It is further bolstered by collaborations with the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Giuseppe Tartini Conservatory of Music, the Adriatic Society of Speleology, the A.F. Lindner Society of Karst Studies, the Flondar Speleological Group, the Eugenio Boegan Cave Commission of the Alpine Club of the Giulie, and the Academy of Comics and Graphic Arts of Trieste.
This exhibit promises to be a must-see for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, folklore, and speleology, offering a unique glimpse into the mythical heart of the Karst region.
