Villa Grock, the Stone Circus where Art Nouveau triumphs

Hey there, fellow travelers!

Daniela Uslan here, with a hidden gem you won’t want to miss: Villa Grock, the Stone Circus where Art Nouveau reigns supreme!

Nestled in Imperia, Italy, this architectural marvel was the brainchild of Swiss clown Adrien Wettach, better known as Grock. Built between 1923 and 1927, the villa is a testament to his eccentricity and artistic vision.

Key facts:
• Location: Via Fanny Roncati Carli, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy
• Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
• Admission: €8 for adults, €5 for children (6-18)

What to expect:
• Whimsical architecture blending Art Nouveau and circus motifs
• Lush gardens with unique water features
• Interactive exhibits showcasing Grock’s life and career

Don’t miss the virtual tour on their website for a sneak peek!

Villa Grock is a surreal journey through the mind of a clown-turned-architect. It’s a must-see for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a truly unique experience in Italy..

It is a marvelous and imposing mansion, with details reflecting the canons of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, with a beautiful park to encircle it: we are talking about Villa Grock, the splendid residence of a man who marked the history of the circus world. And it is precisely in his tribute that today, inside its majestic halls, you can visit the evocative Clown Museum. There are a thousand surprises that can leave young and old alike speechless. Let’s find out more.

Where Villa Grock is located

Villa Bianca, which took the name of its first owner and became known as Villa Grock, is located in the city of Imperia, along the western Ligurian Riviera. Specifically, it is located in the territory of Oneglia, one of the two towns of which the municipality is made up: although it is a flat area directly facing the sea, the mansion was built on a triangular-shaped plot of hilly land, with a splendid panoramic view. It is here that even today, surrounded by beautiful parkland, this beautiful mansion can be visited.

The history of Villa Grock (and its owner)

The history of this beautiful villa is closely linked to that of its owner, such Charles Adrien Wettach. His real name will probably tell you nothing, but his fame precedes him: he is in fact the famous Grock, one of the world’s leading clowns. Born in Switzerland in the early 1880s, Adrien was initiated into the circus arts by his father Adolf, who while working as a watchmaker had a great passion for acrobatics, being part of the Martinelli Circus. Adrien’s debut occurred when the young man was only 14 years old: during this time he became known as an illusionist, tightrope walker, and snake-man.

Only several years later did he reappear on the stage under the stage name Grock, landing at theOlympia in Paris with a performance that was a huge success. He was elected the King of Clowns, and his fame remained immortal. He was an extraordinary performer, skilled as a juggler, tightrope walker, acrobat and even musician, thus winning over audiences all over the world. His farewell to the circus world came in 1954, and a few years later the man passed away. But now let us see how his connection with Villa Grock.

Adrien got to know the city of Imperia by pure chance, during a visit to his in-laws on vacation in 1920: in a few moments, his love for this fascinating place exploded. He therefore decided to buy a plot of land where he would have a villa built with a panoramic view of the sea, to be used for his vacation. On hill of Oneglia, Villa Grock was then built: the artist was so won over by it that in 1927, when the work was completed, he moved there permanently until the end of his life, which passed away right here.

The mansion was built by the surveyor Armando Brignole, who worked closely with Adrien, while the construction company that handled the work was G.A. Porcheddu. Everything, both inside the villa and in the park surrounding it, speaks of the eclectic owner who spent much of his life there. In particular, the Art Deco and Art Nouveau details that still characterize this building, also called Stone Circus for its numerous references to the circus world. Unfortunately, for a long time the mansion was left to itself, endangering its immense cultural heritage.

In 2002, the Province of Imperia decided to purchase the entire property, including Villa Grock and its garden. The latter was opened to the public a few years later, thanks to a quick restoration. The villa, on the other hand, underwent extensive renovations that led, in 2013, to the opening – inside it – of the Clown Museum. This is an interactive museum that leads to the discovery of circus arts and its background. Finally, in 202 Villa Grock passed under the management of the municipality and experienced another major restoration to bring it to its original splendor.

Villa Grock: the mansion and the park

Villa Grock is a true marvel, a multi-story building that distinctly recalls the personal taste of Adrien, who knew how to perfectly blend Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and oriental details., resulting in a unique style – there are also characters that closely resemble great artists such as Dali, Picasso and Gaudi. The large park in which the mansion is immersed turns out to be even more amazing, a magical and esoteric place that enchants the public. From the point of view botanical, the plants are those typically found along the western Ligurian Riviera.

The avenues unravel among flower beds and columns topped by beautiful arches, interspersed here and there with fountains and a pretty pond with an oriental-inspired bridge, from which a small temple surrounded by water is reached. The whole gives an evocative and fairy-tale atmosphere, expressing the Adrien Wettach’s eclectic taste.. For a few years now, both the villa and the garden have been open to the public (with different hours depending on the summer or winter season). And there are many visitors who immerse themselves in discovering the Clown Museum.

The Clown Museum: what to see

The Clown Museum is an immersive and magical journey, where it is possible to learn circus tricks and especially the art of clowns. It all starts on the second floor where, along with a bar, there is the Cinema Room: thanks to the projection of some thematic videos, visitors will be introduced to the circus world. The third floor opens onto the Music Room, which houses an interactive station capable of producing some of the tunes from Grock’s repertoire. The nearby Hall of Wonders is a large 16th-century closet positioned inside a room with an “illusory” floor, where the magic games begin.

Several other rooms follow from here, such as the Makeup Room – where you can learn make-up in order to become a real clown. The top floor is even more immersive: it is the appropriate place to have emotional and interactive experiences, such as inside the Hall of Magic. Here, a huge holographic device reproduces four animated performances dedicated to the clown show. Finally, the Magic Carousel offers a throwback to the past, with dozens of fully functioning model merry-go-rounds reminiscent of our childhood.