• Active & Green
    • Lifestyle

Artist’s giant benches

The hunt is on. Discover six of the brightly coloured, supersized Big Benches by Chris Bangle that are adding to the scenery in Lombardy.

Imagine a brightly-coloured giant bench at the top of a mountain, a great piece of art, design and craftsmanship, looking out onto a stunning panorama. Imagine being able to sit there, on your own or accompanied, admiring the view and making memories of this unique, special moment.

 

It’s not a surrealistic dream, but an art project that began in 2010, devised by US designer, Chris Bangle, who has become famous for his Big Bench project. 

To date, there are 379 all over the world and 63 currently being built as part of the Big Bench Community Project, a charity association founded by Chris Bangle and his wife to promote and make the most of the different sites where they are located. You will find quite a few in Lombardy alone, where they have attracted the attention of genuine treasure hunters, who even have passports that can be purchased to collect the stamps of every bench they visit. 

From the valleys to the mountain peaks, through to the enchanting views over Lombardy’s lakes, these Big Benches are all to be found in locations that are perfect for a trip out in the fresh air. Let's take a look together.
 

Take me here: Artist’s giant benches

On the same topic

Val Trompia, where nature and ancient mines await visitors

Be ready for a great vacation in Val Trompia to discover natural treasures amidst huts and trails winding down the forest in Zone and reaching up to mounts Guglielmo and Maniva.
  • Active & Green
Brescia tra natura e antiche miniere: la Val Trompia

Villoresi forest

Come and spend a nice day in the Bosco Villoresi oasis of Carugate!
  • Active & Green
Villoresi Forest

Lombardy, land of spring waters

Fountains and springs, the natural oases of Lower Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Lombardy, land of spring waters

Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

From the neoclassical villas to the wildest forests, the landscapes of the Lake Como region and the trees they contain enchant with their variety.
  • Active & Green
Between lake and mountains the 10 most beautiful trees in the Province of Como

Running al Parco di Monza

Running is good for you. And running in the middle of nature? Even better! Come and join us at Monza Park.
  • Active & Green
Running Parco di Monza

Val Masino, the untamed heart of the Rhaetic mountains

Outdoor activities and chilling in Europe's little Yosemite. Mountains and valleys where nature rules supreme and the man who enjoys it respects its beauty
  • Active & Green
Val Masino, cuore selvaggio delle Retiche

Parco dello Stelvio, Bormio and Valdidentro

Walks and strenuous hikes in the heart of the Stelvio National Park surrounded by unspoilt nature and in close contact with mountain fauna
  • Active & Green
Il parco dello Stelvio, Bormio e la Valdidentro

Virtual trip to Lecco: nature and art

An online tour, through green landscapes and culture
  • Active & Green
Sentiero del Viandante

Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Hiking is an excellent way to enjoy exercise, and Lombardy has some amazing trails for kids and adults to explore in winter. Find out more.
  • Active & Green
Hiking with kids in Lombardy - Trails for tourists and athletes

Fontanili park

Parco dei Fontanili: the ideal place to live in the green and spend your free time.
  • Active & Green
Fontanili Park

Bergamo Valle Seriana and the Presolana

The Valle Seriana Mountains are a wonderful tourist destination, perfect for discovering on foot, mountain bike or with fun off-road quad rides.
  • Active & Green
Bergamo La Valle Seriana e la Presolana

It's harvest time in Lombardy 

In the vineyards and cellars of Lombardy, you can take part in the ancient rituals of grape harvesting and pressing and get to know the land where some of the region's best wines are produced
  • Active & Green
È tempo di vendemmia in Lombardia 

Tibetan bridges, the attraction of height without the risk

Four suspension bridges in Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Ponti tibetani, il fascino dell’altezza senza rischi

From the metropolis to the province: Milan's top 10 monumental trees

In an area as rich in history as the Metropolitan City of Milan, there is no shortage of valuable green monuments.
  • Active & Green
From the metropolis to the province: Milan's top 10 monumental trees

Levadina

Walking in the Levadina Oasis of San Donato Milanese, an opportunity to spend an afternoon immersed in nature.
  • Active & Green
Levadina

Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Among the scenic and cultural riches of Lombardy, one can discover outstanding green monuments.
  • Active & Green
Monumental trees in Lombardy: 12 incredible specimens

Gardens Bergamo

An unforgettable journey through the wonders of the Bergamo landscape
  • Active & Green
Gardens Bergamo, the green side of Lombardy

25th April Weekend in Lombardy

Why not get out and explore? You can organise some unforgettable days out with a wide range of interesting activities.
  • Active & Green
25th April Weekend in Lombardy

Gardens Milan

Spring is the best time of year to enjoy a green Milan with unexpected views
  • Active & Green
Gardens Milan, guide for visiting

Under the ground, to discover the caves of Lombardy

On a trip to the caves of Lombardy
  • Active & Green
Under the ground, to discover the caves of Lombardy