Lake Como International Museum of Vintage Boats dedicated a room to 7 jewels built by the storied Sarnico-based shipyard
Riva Yachts, in partnership with Fondazione Museo Barca Lariana (MBL), opened a new room at the MBL Lake Como International Museum of Vintage Boats in Pianello del Lario. The 300-square-meter exhibition area, designed by architect Paolo Albano in tandem with Riva, is permanently dedicated to the prestigious motorboats built on Lake Iseo.
The room at the MBL takes the visitor on a journey through time from the 1930s to the incredible “La Dolce Vita” period. In those magical years, the Aquarama’s lines brought Italian style to the international collective imagination. It represents a tribute to Serafino Riva, famous for his high-speed racing boats, and his son Carlo Riva, who turned the brand, founded in 1842, into an international symbol and an object of desire.
Riva Yachts opened a new room at the MBL Lake Como International Museum of Vintage Boats in Pianello del Lario
The Museum’s collection also boasts several models: HaLu is a Riva from the 1930s when Serafino was still at the helm of the shipyard. The two Riva Series R models are from a few years later, as is the very rare racer fitted with Guzzi engines. Also on show is a Riva Florida with special Scottish Madras upholstery. Visitors can also admire a series of traditional molds used to produce hulls.
In the museum’s bookshop, it is possible to buy “Riva In The Movie,” a book that tells the story of more than 50 films in which Riva yachts have played an important alongside movie stars from around the world. The close relationship between the Riva legend and the seventh art is also celebrated by a powerful short movie by the same title that is screened at the Museum. It features a masterful performance by Pierfrancesco Flavino and it was presented at the 77th Venice International Film Festival.
Ilona Catani Scarlett