The Origins of the Atelier
The Segantini Atelier in Maloja was designed in 1897 by Giovanni Segantini as a 1:10 scale model for an ambitious panoramic pavilion he dreamed of presenting at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Built in Soglio and later relocated to his garden in Maloja, the rotunda was intended to house a 220-meter-long panoramic painting of the Engadine Alps. Though the grand pavilion was never realized, this wooden structure remains as a testament to Segantini’s creative ambition.
The Visionary Project That Never Came to Be
Segantini envisioned a circular building 70 meters wide, enveloped by a sweeping panorama of the alpine landscape. The small rotunda in Maloja was his prototype — featuring clerestory windows and dome-like lighting to create an immersive effect. Although financial limitations prevented the project, this concept deeply informed his Alpine Triptych (“Nature – Life – Death”), which became the pinnacle of his career.
Segantini’s Use of the Atelier
After moving to Maloja in 1894, Segantini brought the rotunda to his chalet’s garden. While he preferred painting outdoors, the studio served as his library and planning space for major works. Tragically, he died in 1899 while working on the Triptych on the Schafberg mountain, never seeing the pavilion project completed.
A Family Legacy
After Segantini’s death, his sons Gottardo and Mario Segantini used the Atelier as their own studio, continuing the family’s artistic tradition. The small space became a quiet site of creative continuity and remembrance.
Restoration and Museum Opening
In 1985–86, the rotunda was restored by Swiss architect Bruno Giacometti, preserving its historic character while converting it into a proper exhibition space. With support from private and public donors, the Atelier was reopened to the public as a museum and memorial to Segantini. This site is now managed by the Segantini Maloja Association, in parallel with the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz.
Cultural Importance Today
Today, the Segantini Atelier remains a living cultural site — offering personal exhibitions, historic insight, and artistic inspiration. Its role complements the St. Moritz museum by focusing on Segantini’s private world, making it a must-see for those interested in the man behind the masterpieces.