May 2026

MĀYĀ – From Matter to Presence

MĀYĀ is an immersive, living collaboration between artist Carlo Brunelli and master chocolatier Manuel Marzari. Rooted in the ancient South American heritage of cacao as a sacred living matter and a bridge to the cosmos, the project explores the illusion of separation from nature, inviting visitors to step beyond it.

Encased in an archaic, protective pyramidal architecture reminiscent of ancient temples, the installation alters perception entirely, causing visitors to lose all sense of space and time and linger long past their hour-long visits.

The project adapts fluidly across diverse experiences:

Intimate Evening Art immersion: Deeply aligned, almost ritualistic sessions for few participants featuring four different guest artists and musicians each night.

Family and Children Explorations: Daytime journeys for schools and parents using cacao to disconnect from modern frenzy and share an intimate space of slowing down.

Sensory Pairings: Unique encounters like wine tastings fused with the ambient olfactory essence of cacao.

Following Edition 0, MĀYĀ continues toward Edition 1 in autumn 2026, reshaping its living format through new collaborations.

Credits: Cultural presence - Stephanie Niño; Graphic Design - Lisa Olivieri; Sound Design - Lorenzo Lucchese; Photography Rafael Alvez