Intesa Sanpaolo's Gallerie d'Italia museum in Vicenza is currently hosting a major photography exhibition featuring the work of renowned conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier. The show, titled "A Greater Wisdom," runs through February 15, 2026, and presents approximately 80 photographs, including three previously unseen pieces. This marks the third stop for the traveling exhibition, which debuted at the Gallerie d'Italia in Turin in 2024 before moving to the Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Palermo. The Vicenza presentation is curated by Lauren Johnston in collaboration with National Geographic, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Mittermeier's decades-long documentation of global ecosystems and indigenous cultures.
Cristina Mittermeier stands at the unique intersection of art, science, and activism. Trained as a marine biologist, she brings scientific rigor to her photographic practice while maintaining the eye of an artist. Her career has been dedicated to capturing the breathtaking beauty of Earth's most vulnerable environments, from pristine marine ecosystems to rapidly changing landscapes. Beyond her technical expertise, Mittermeier has emerged as a powerful voice for conservation, co-founding SeaLegacy, a nonprofit organization that uses visual storytelling to drive ocean conservation. Her work has appeared in countless publications worldwide, earning her recognition as one of the most influential nature photographers of her generation.
The exhibition is organized around three central themes that define Mittermeier's body of work. The first section immerses viewers in the underwater world, showcasing vibrant marine life and the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. The second explores the terrestrial realm, featuring dramatic landscapes and wildlife from remote corners of the globe. The third section focuses on tribal peoples, documenting indigenous communities who maintain traditional ways of living in harmony with nature. Through these interconnected themes, Mittermeier creates a visual narrative that highlights both the fragility and resilience of our planet's natural and cultural heritage.
At the heart of the exhibition lies the concept of "enoughness," a philosophy that Mittermeier has developed throughout her career. This idea challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with consumption and resource use, asking fundamental questions about what constitutes a fulfilling and sustainable life. The photographer argues that indigenous communities living in symbiosis with nature offer powerful lessons for modern society's unsustainable patterns. Through her intimate portraits and sweeping landscapes, Mittermeier invites audiences to reflect on how much is truly enough for human flourishing while maintaining ecological balance.
Visitors to the Vicenza museum will experience the photographs in a thoughtfully designed space that enhances the contemplative nature of the work. The Gallerie d'Italia's Vicenza location, situated in the historic Contrà Santa Corona, provides an elegant backdrop for the exhibition. The curatorial approach emphasizes the storytelling power of each image, with educational materials providing context about the locations and communities depicted. The three new photographs debuting in Vicenza offer fresh perspectives on Mittermeier's recent expeditions, adding to the exhibition's evolving narrative.
The timing and location of this exhibition carry particular significance as Italy continues to grapple with climate change impacts and environmental conservation challenges. By bringing Mittermeier's work to multiple cities across the country, Intesa Sanpaolo demonstrates a commitment to cultural institutions playing a role in environmental education. The exhibition serves as both an artistic celebration and a call to action, encouraging visitors to become stewards of the planet. As the February 2026 closing date approaches, the museum expects the show to draw diverse audiences, from photography enthusiasts to environmental advocates, all seeking inspiration and wisdom for a more sustainable future.
