Installation "Sleipnir and the Labyrinth of Doors"

The Teatro dell’architettura Mendrisio (TAM) of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) presents, from 8 May to 20 December 2026, three new exhibitions promoted by the Academy of Architecture: “Architectural Construction in Ticino, 1939–1996. Materiality and Tectonics”, “Pino Musi. Continuum” and the installation “Sleipnir and the Labyrinth of Doors” by students enrolled in the Design studio Forte at the Academy of Architecture.
 

Sleipnir and the Labyrinth of Doors
Promoted by USI Academy of Architecture
An installation curated by Duilio Forte in collaboration with Simon Fikstvedt and Barbara Stallone, created by the students of Atelier Forte, Academy of Architecture

In the atrium of the Teatro dell'architettura Mendrisio, the installation "Sleipnir and the Labyrinth of Doors" created by students from the Academy of Architecture, comprises three elements: the door, the labyrinth and Sleipnir, an iconic sculpture by Duilio Forte.
The doors, individually designed and built by students enrolled in the course, are understood as symbolic and architectural thresholds. Together, they form a labyrinth, a metaphor for the design process, which leads to “Sleipnir”, a symbol of exploration and of the relationship between humankind and space.
Created in connection with the design studio led by Duilio Forte, the installation presents visitors with the result of a collective experience, transforming the space of the Teatro dell'architettura.

Biography

Duilio Forte, an Italian Swedish artist and architect, founded AtelierFORTE in Milan, in 1998. Duilio Forte explores the relationship between humankind and nature, building temporary or permanent installations in the natural or urban landscape. He participated in the 11th and 12th Venice International Architecture Biennale and in the 21st Milan Triennale.
The Sleipnir series includes fifty-four monumental wooden works, measuring between 10 and 15 metres in height, inspired by Odin’s legendary horse, from Scandinavian mythology.
Forte has exhibited his work throughout Europe, Asia and the USA. His work has been featured in numerous national and international newspapers and magazines, and promoted by the television networks Rai 5, Sky Arte and RSI.
 

• Calendar and Opening hours

8 May – 20 December 2026

Thursday – Friday
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday – Wednesday
Closed (open for groups and classes by reservation)

Summer closure: 13 July – 23 August 2026
For public holidays and special openings, consult the website: www.tam.usi.ch

• Open Days and Guided Tours

On the occasion of the exhibitions, the Teatro dell’architettura Mendrisio will regularly host free-admission open days, guided tours, and other special events. More information will be available later on the website www.tam.usi.ch.

Free Open Days
Sunday 10 May, 10.00–18.00, as part of International Museum Day, with a guided tour
Sunday 7 June 2026, 10.00–18.00
Sunday 5 July 2026, 10.00–18.00
Sunday 6 September 2026, 10.00–18.00
Sunday 4 October 2026, 10.00–18.00, MAM Network Day with a special event
Sunday 1 November 2026, 10.00–18.00
Sunday 6 December 2026, 10.00–18.00

Free guided tours of the exhibitions (in Italian)
In collaboration with students of the Academy of Architecture:
Saturday 6 June 2026, 11.00 am
Saturday 5 September 2026, 11.00 am
Saturday 3 October 2026, 11.00 am
Saturday 31 October 2026, 11.00 am
Saturday 5 December 2026, 11.00 am
On these dates, the guided tour is free, while entrance to the exhibition is subject to ticket purchase.

Guided tours with the exhibition curators
Dates will be announced soon through the TAM newsletter.

Group guided tours (ITA, ENG, GER, FR) available upon reservation, even outside regular opening hours.
For information and bookings, please write to: [email protected]