Half a century
of fire and art
1976 – 2026: the European Biennial of Wrought-Iron Art celebrates its 50 years.
Fifty years ago, a spark in the heart of Stia gave life to an experience that over the years has united master ironworkers from all over the world. Today that spark is a fire that never stops burning: half a century of tradition, technical evolution and cross-generational passion. We don’t only look to the past — we forge the future of wrought-iron art.
50 years of fire…
between anvil and hammer
Strength, longevity, growth. In 2026 matter becomes celebration.
Stia 2026 won’t be a classic edition of the wrought-iron art Biennial. For our 50th anniversary, taking place from 4 to 6 September 2026, we wanted a unique event: a collective celebration of the intrinsic strength of iron, of our community’s passion and of the development of contemporary design. An immersive experience where the beat of hammers on the anvil will tell the resilience and modernity of an age-old craft.
The 27th European Biennial of Wrought-Iron Art
The 50th anniversary paves the way for the next Biennial. International competitions, exhibitions and residencies return to Stia in 2027.
When iron
meets contemporary
art
Michelangelo Pistoletto’s iconic sign shaped by the masters of the Biennial.
The finest craftsmanship of tradition meets the avant-garde of contemporary art. For the fiftieth anniversary, “The Third Paradise” will be unveiled and presented — created by the Biennial’s blacksmiths in the wake of the symbolic work by Maestro Michelangelo Pistoletto, entirely in wrought iron. A powerful alliance that turns metal into the universal symbol of rebirth, harmony and connection between humankind, nature and artifice.
No contest,
one single great
collective work
Blacksmiths from Italy and Europe united to forge the new gate of the Stia Academy.
This year we turn off the spotlight on competitions and championships to light the fire of pure cooperation. In the forges of Stia, master blacksmiths from every corner of Italy and Europe will work side by side in an unprecedented live forging session.
Their goal? To combine their skills under the guidance of established masters to bring to life, together, the monumental entrance gate of the new Stia Academy, based on the winning project of the 10th “Pier Luigi della Bordella” International Design and Drawing Competition 2025.
Creative EuropeSummer Camp Iron Notes · 2nd edition
The forging of the gate will also be the centrepiece of the 2nd edition of the Summer Camp Iron Notes, a training programme launched within the Creative Europe co-funded project “Iron Notes”. This initiative will offer young Europeans — both from the project partners and from outside — the extraordinary opportunity to refine their skills in the field and promote this age-old art.
The strength of the collective impressed into metal.
Leave a thought
on the Biennial's 50
years and sculpt it
in iron
During the event, 6 forges will be entirely available to blacksmiths who wish to use them to create works live.
Forges available
Days of free forging
The theme of the works
The memory and celebration of the Biennial’s 50 years. A unique chance to express through iron the identity, history and evolution of this extraordinary tradition, through the eyes and mastery of the keepers of this art.
The pieces created will be displayed in a dedicated area during the event and later published and promoted through the Biennial’s official social channels and media.
Read the official rules and fill in the form to book your place and celebrate the fiftieth anniversary with us.
The Biennial's story
sculpted into the town
Around 40 wrought-iron sculptures turn Pratovecchio Stia into an open-air museum.
For the fiftieth anniversary, the unbreakable bond between the Biennial and its territory grows even deeper with the inauguration of the “Art Trail”: the permanent installation of the most significant sculptures produced over the years. Placed in highly representative and symbolic locations of the town, these monumental iron works become guardians of collective memory, enhancing and enriching Stia’s urban identity. Each sculpture is identified and geolocated: download the map to discover the whole route.
A calendar full
of events for everyone
From major international appointments to the first hammer blows of the little ones: from 4 to 6 September 2026 Stia lights up the 50th anniversary with a rich programme for enthusiasts, academics, families and the curious. There’s a piece of history waiting for you too.
Forging of the Gate
Live creation of the gate for the S.T.I.A. Academy.
Celebratory conference
“50 years of fire… between anvil and hammer”.
Musical evenings
Live music during the evenings of the event.
Forging for children
Forging activities for the youngest.
European Opportunities
International conference “European Opportunities for the territory”.
Third Paradise
Conference and inauguration of Michelangelo Pistoletto’s iron work.
50th Anniversary Party
Aperitif-dinner and musical evening for the historic milestone.
Art Trail
Inauguration of the permanent sculpture installation.
The 2025 edition and the whole history of the Biennial
Competitions, winners, galleries and documents from the 2025 edition are now gathered in the “Past editions” section, to give full prominence to the 50th anniversary.
