Museo all'aperto Maria Lai, Open-air art museum in Ulassai, Italy
Museo all'aperto Maria Lai is an open-air art museum displaying numerous installations and textile works throughout the mountain village of Ulassai. The artworks sit integrated within the village streets and structures, forming a single unified exhibition space across the entire settlement.
Maria Lai was born in Ulassai in 1919 and established this museum through her textile work and collaborative art projects with the community. Her artistic practice evolved over decades and transformed the village into a space where art and everyday life merge together.
The installations blend traditional Sardinian textile techniques with contemporary artistic vision that reflects the island's creative heritage. Visitors see how local craftsmanship traditions continue to shape the artistic expression throughout the village today.
The museum spreads throughout the village, so visitors can discover the different installations while walking through the streets at their own pace. Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the meaning of each artwork and learn about the artistic vision behind the projects.
In 1981 Maria Lai coordinated a memorable event where villagers connected their homes with kilometers of blue ribbon reaching toward the mountain. This action marked the beginning of the ongoing artistic transformation that turned the entire village into an interactive creative space.
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