For many visitors to Lake Como, the breathtaking scenery is unforgettable. The mountains, shimmering water and ever-changing light have inspired writers, musicians and artists for centuries.
But few visitors realize that one of Britain’s greatest painters found some of his most powerful inspiration right here.
This summer, the City of Como is hosting an exceptional exhibition dedicated to J.M.W. Turner, bringing remarkable works from London’s Tate collection to Como until 27 September 2026. The exhibition is spread across the Broletto, the Civic Art Gallery (Pinacoteca), and a complementary display at San Pietro in Atrio, exploring Turner’s relationship with Italy and, in particular, Lake Como.
Who was J.M.W. Turner?
If you pull out a British 20-pound note, you’ll find the face of Joseph Mallord William (J.M.W.) Turner. Recognized across Europe as the undisputed “painter of light”, a Master of the Romantic movement and one of the greatest landscape painters. Turner’s radical brushstrokes paved the way for modern impressionism.
Yet, while millions of tourists flock to Lake Como every year to snap the perfect lakeside selfie, few realize that they are walking through the exact landscape that fundamentally revolutionized Turner’s vision and art.
A Rare Masterpiece Exhibition Lands in Como
From now until September 27, 2026, the city of Como is hosting a historic cultural event: “Turner: The Enchantment of Lake Como and the Italian Landscape”. In an exclusive partnership with the prestigious Tate London, Turner’s original, priceless watercolors have returned to the very ground where they were conceived over two centuries ago.
The exhibition is uniquely spread across three historic venues in Como city:
- Como Art Museum: Exploring how the light and topography of the region altered his style.
- Palazzo del Broletto: The medieval town hall showcasing intimate watercolors of the lake.
- San Pietro in Atrio: Hosting contemporary color installations that bridge Turner’s legacy into the modern era.
The Mystery of the Lake Como: What Did Turner See?
When Turner arrived at Lake Como during his Italian Grand Tour in 1819, he didn’t just see a postcard-perfect view. He saw a battlefield of elements—sudden mountain mists, dramatic atmospheric shifts, and water that dissolved architectural structures into pure, vibrating light.
Something deeply profound happened to Turner’s technique right here in Como. It altered the way he painted reflections, captured shadows, and manipulated color for the rest of his legendary career.
But how exactly did this Italian crossroads turn a traditional English landscape painter into a revolutionary master of the sublime? What secret details are hidden in those brushstrokes that the average tourist walks right past?
Don’t Just See Lake Como. Understand It.
To unlock the true story behind the canvases, international art lovers are bypassing the standard tourist tracks for a brand-new, exclusive experience.
That’s why I, Local Italian tour leader, Adam Clark, conductsguided walking tours of the William Turner Art Exhibit in native English. This immersive 2-hour journey bridges the gap between Italian Lake Como landscape, British art history from romanticism to impressionism.
“Most visitors think Como is just a transit hub to look at the water,” says Clark. “But Turner saw this city as an intellectual explosion of light and history. In two hours, we don’t just look at paintings—we decode exactly how this lake changed the course of art history forever.”
Whether you are an art aficionado or a traveler looking to experience something far deeper than a surface-level vacation, this limited-run tour is the ultimate keys to the city.
Contact me to book a guided visit.
200 EUR + per person museum fees