Experience a unique world of Italian art and culture on a Road Trip Close to Home to Magazzino Italian Art in Cold Spring.

The museum is home to an impressive postwar and contemporary Italian art collection.

Eight galleries are designed to immerse visitors into works made since 1945, focusing on the mid-60s to 70s.

"The beauty of Arte Povera, and so much of conceptually-based work, is that they do what art is meant to do, which is to challenge the viewer...and extend their perceptions of the world that we live in," Magazzino Italian Art Director Adam Sheffer said.

The unique genre of artists uses ordinary materials to create sculptures and paintings that break the traditional mold.

Visitors can soak through the layers of meaning behind each piece in the collection, made possible by founders Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu.

The couple spent decades collecting Italian art and began sharing it with the public through the nonprofit museum.

"They felt that they wanted to give it back to the community, to let people understand the importance, the relevance and the legacy of Italian art," Sheffer said.

The museum's recent expansion helps drive that point home with its rotating exhibitions.

Through the end of October, visitors can experience the work of Marco Anelli who captured the moments of building Magazzino 10 years ago.

Also, in the new Robert Olnick Pavilion is Café Silvia. It is where visitors can refuel with a full menu of Italian delicacies made by a world-class chef.

The combined bookstore also offers local and international pieces for visitors to dive deeper into Italian art and culture in one place.

Before hitting the road home, a step outside to the stables is a must. It's home to more than a dozen Sardinian donkeys that will bring smiles as priceless as this experience.

To learn more about making your next road trip close to home to Magazzino Italian Art, click here.