Orticolario returns to Villa Erba on Lake Como for its sixteenth edition, dedicated to the theme ''en rêverie'': an invitation to transcend the tangible and let yourself be guided by imagination, illusion, and fantasy.
After the pursuit of wonder that characterized the 2025 edition, Orticolario evolves towards a dreamlike dimension, where thought is freed and gives shape to possible worlds.
At the heart of the 2026 edition are fantastic plants: rare and surprising species whose shapes, colors, and characteristics seem to come from another world.
A journey through nature, art, and imagination
For four days, the historic park and exhibition center of Villa Erba will welcome over 250 Italian and international exhibitors, including specialized nurserymen, artisans, designers, and producers.
Completing the itinerary are seven thematic gardens selected through the international competition Creative Spaces, site-specific installations, meetings, performances, experiences, and workshops also dedicated to children and young people.
Among the most significant projects of this edition: Hypnos, created by Mario Mariani / Central Park and Matteo Boccardo, leads the public into a suspended and surreal dimension in the central pavilion.
Phantasos brings fantastical plants to center stage, with a botanical installation and a selection of nursery gardeners specializing in botanical rarities.
In the atrium of Villa Erba, Les imaginaires transforms nature into a poetic vision through the work of artist Lau Cabantous and ethnobotanist Lucia Papponi.
Guest of Honor: Luigi Serafini
The protagonist of the 2026 edition is Luigi Serafini, artist, architect, and author of the celebrated Codex Seraphinianus, a visionary work that narrates an imaginary world through nonexistent botanicals, organisms, and architecture, and asemic writing.
His presence underscores the transversal vocation of Orticolario, where nature, art, culture, and design dialogue to stimulate an ever-expanding perception of the landscape.
Art and Experiences
Among the new features of 2026 is Cullami nella stanza del sogno, a project that combines the introspective art of Alessandra Lanza with contemplative hypnosis experiences curated by Margherita Sartori / Studio Olistica.
A place dedicated to listening and the interior dimension, where art and experience meet.
The cultural program also offers meetings and conferences with experts, landscape architects, agronomists, writers, and artists. Announced guests include Luigi Serafini, Alessandra Viola, Christophe Ségas, and Tiziano Fratus.
There will also be musical and theatrical performances, workshops, and activities dedicated to the younger generations.
For the landscape and for society
Orticolario combines the dissemination of landscape culture with a significant social commitment.
Through the Friends of Orticolario Fund at the Provincial Foundation of the Comasca Community, contributions raised throughout the year are donated to cultural projects and five charities in the Como area.
An opportunity to discover Lake Como
Orticolario is also an opportunity to experience Lake Como in autumn.
On Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, a shuttle boat will run from Como, included in the ticket price, arriving directly at the Villa Erba pier.
Tickets can be purchased online and at on-site ticket offices. Online sales open on June 16, 2026, with an initial Early Bird phase.
Orticolario is an invitation to close your eyes, imagine, and let yourself be surprised.
After the pursuit of wonder that characterized the 2025 edition, Orticolario evolves towards a dreamlike dimension, where thought is freed and gives shape to possible worlds.
At the heart of the 2026 edition are fantastic plants: rare and surprising species whose shapes, colors, and characteristics seem to come from another world.
A journey through nature, art, and imagination
For four days, the historic park and exhibition center of Villa Erba will welcome over 250 Italian and international exhibitors, including specialized nurserymen, artisans, designers, and producers.
Completing the itinerary are seven thematic gardens selected through the international competition Creative Spaces, site-specific installations, meetings, performances, experiences, and workshops also dedicated to children and young people.
Among the most significant projects of this edition: Hypnos, created by Mario Mariani / Central Park and Matteo Boccardo, leads the public into a suspended and surreal dimension in the central pavilion.
Phantasos brings fantastical plants to center stage, with a botanical installation and a selection of nursery gardeners specializing in botanical rarities.
In the atrium of Villa Erba, Les imaginaires transforms nature into a poetic vision through the work of artist Lau Cabantous and ethnobotanist Lucia Papponi.
Guest of Honor: Luigi Serafini
The protagonist of the 2026 edition is Luigi Serafini, artist, architect, and author of the celebrated Codex Seraphinianus, a visionary work that narrates an imaginary world through nonexistent botanicals, organisms, and architecture, and asemic writing.
His presence underscores the transversal vocation of Orticolario, where nature, art, culture, and design dialogue to stimulate an ever-expanding perception of the landscape.
Art and Experiences
Among the new features of 2026 is Cullami nella stanza del sogno, a project that combines the introspective art of Alessandra Lanza with contemplative hypnosis experiences curated by Margherita Sartori / Studio Olistica.
A place dedicated to listening and the interior dimension, where art and experience meet.
The cultural program also offers meetings and conferences with experts, landscape architects, agronomists, writers, and artists. Announced guests include Luigi Serafini, Alessandra Viola, Christophe Ségas, and Tiziano Fratus.
There will also be musical and theatrical performances, workshops, and activities dedicated to the younger generations.
For the landscape and for society
Orticolario combines the dissemination of landscape culture with a significant social commitment.
Through the Friends of Orticolario Fund at the Provincial Foundation of the Comasca Community, contributions raised throughout the year are donated to cultural projects and five charities in the Como area.
An opportunity to discover Lake Como
Orticolario is also an opportunity to experience Lake Como in autumn.
On Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, a shuttle boat will run from Como, included in the ticket price, arriving directly at the Villa Erba pier.
Tickets can be purchased online and at on-site ticket offices. Online sales open on June 16, 2026, with an initial Early Bird phase.
Orticolario is an invitation to close your eyes, imagine, and let yourself be surprised.