A charity auction aims to support WOW Spazio Fumetto and secure a new location in Milan, involving authors and collectors connected to auteur comics.
How did the auction to save WOW Spazio Fumetto come about?
On February 27, 2026, Finarte and Urania Casa d’Aste will organize a charity auction in Milan to support WOW Spazio Fumetto, a museum dedicated to the language of comics. The initiative aims to raise funds for finding a new location after the closure of the historic spaces.
The catalog features over 100 original boards, donated directly by the authors. Among the names are Altan, Silver, and Zerocalcare, demonstrating the strong support of the Italian comics world for the project.
Why did the WOW Spazio Fumetto museum close?
WOW Spazio Fumetto, a Milanese museum dedicated to the so-called ninth art, recently closed its doors after nearly fifteen years of activity. Founded in 2011 by the Fondazione Franco Fossati, it had become a national reference for scholars, enthusiasts, and professionals.
Over the years, the center hosted exhibitions, meetings, and educational events dedicated to comics in all its forms. However, in June 2025, the structure was forced to suspend activities due to a debt of 180,000 euros to the Comune di Milano, a situation that made it unsustainable to remain in the historic location.
The closure prompted mobilizations, petitions, and appeals from artists, visitors, and industry operators. Additionally, many emphasized the importance of finding a new space to preserve the extensive archival heritage held by the Foundation and make it accessible to the public again.
What is the message behind the charity auction?
In presenting the project, Daniele Gradella, head of the Comics Department at Finarte, explained the spirit of the initiative. According to Gradella, the auction is an appeal to all lovers of the ninth art to help restart the museum even stronger.
Gradella recalled how, internationally, comics are now recognized as a form of art to be protected and valued. For this reason, he emphasized, one cannot afford to lose one of the most significant institutions that, for years, has promoted and studied this language in all its facets.
What goals does the auction set for the Milanese museum?
The event has a specific goal: to offer collectors and enthusiasts a selection of original boards and works by masters of Italian comics. In this way, it aims to economically support the center during the transition phase and accompany it in the search for a new location for its cultural activities.
That said, the auction also has a symbolic value. Involving private collecting means strengthening the bond between the museum, the public, and the authors themselves, at a time when the institution’s future depends on the ability to network.
Who are the authors featured in the catalog?
The catalog includes some of the most significant names in contemporary Italian comics. In addition to Altan and Zerocalcare, notable figures include Paolo Bacilieri, Sandro Dossi, and Silvia Ziche, who have donated original works specifically for the initiative.
The lots in the auction come directly from the artists, a choice that reflects the Foundation’s conservation mission. Additionally, the museum has decided not to sell historical pieces from its collection, preferring to rely on the participation and generosity of the creative community.
What are the standout lots and estimated bids?
Among the most prominent lots is Lupo Alberto n. 421 by Silver, with an estimate between 2,500 and 4,000 euros. This is a significant presence, considering the character’s popularity in the Italian scene.
Another highlight is a drawing of Tex created for the museum by Pasquale Del Vecchio, estimated between 100 and 200 euros. The catalog also includes Enciclopedia Calcarea: Guida ragionata all’universo di Zerocalcare (2023), with an evaluation around 1,000 euros, confirming the market’s interest in the author.
These estimates, relatively accessible compared to many segments of contemporary art collecting, aim to engage a broad audience. Additionally, they allow those with limited budgets to aspire to purchase a work by their favorite author.
How will the exhibition before the auction take place?
Before the event in the hall, a full exhibition of the lots is planned at Finarte’s Milan location. This exhibition will offer collectors the opportunity to view all the works in person, compare styles and techniques, and carefully evaluate the pieces of greatest interest.
Overall, the initiative combines fundraising, cultural promotion, and the enhancement of comics as an artistic language. If successful, it could represent a decisive step in the journey that will lead the museum to a new location and a renewed season of activities.
image: Enzo LunariGirighiz, 1967, Courtesy Finarte
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As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
