Image: © Cristina Mittermeier. Exhibition key visual, Cristina Mittermeier. La Grande Saggezza, Fondazione Brescia Musei, Brescia
Cristina Mittermeier’s photography retrospective ‘La Grande Saggezza’ is on view at the Grande Miglio, inside the Castello di Brescia, from 14 July 2026 through 10 January 2027. The free exhibition presents more than 80 photographs by the Mexican photographer, marine biologist and activist, focusing on landscapes, wildlife, and the cultures and traditions of communities living in close relationship with the natural world.
Curated by Lauren Johnston, the exhibition is promoted by the Comune di Brescia, Fondazione Brescia Musei and Alleanza per la Cultura. The exhibition project is by Gallerie d’Italia – Intesa Sanpaolo, with the collaboration of the National Geographic Society. The Museo di Scienze Naturali di Brescia and the University of Brescia are listed as partners, while Palazzoli S.p.A. is the exhibition’s sponsor.
The retrospective brings together images made across a range of environments, including oceans, forests, ice-covered regions and coastlines. The exhibition materials identify photographs from locations including Grand Bahama in the Bahamas, Volunteer Point in the East Falkland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula, Franz Josef Land in Russia, China’s Yunnan Province, Monterey Bay in California and Mo’orea in French Polynesia.
‘La Grande Saggezza’ is organised around three broad themes: the underwater world, the terrestrial world and tribal peoples. The structure reflects Mittermeier’s concept of “enoughness,” described by the organisers as an invitation to consider contemporary models of living and the possibility of adopting a more sustainable and conscious relationship with the Earth.
The exhibition frames nature as a repository of knowledge developed through millions of years of evolution, while also highlighting the knowledge preserved by communities that continue to live in close contact with natural environments. Its accompanying text emphasises ecosystems’ capacities for adaptation, cooperation and regeneration, and presents the photographed environments and communities as parts of an interconnected system.
Fondazione Brescia Musei is also offering guided visits and educational activities during the exhibition. Public tours are scheduled on selected dates from 23 July 2026 to 9 January 2027, while family workshops for children aged six to 11 are scheduled between 27 September 2026 and 3 January 2027. The Castello di Brescia presentation remains free to visit until 10 January 2027.
