The exhibition “M.C. Escher. Between Art and Science” at MUDEC in Milan from September 25, 2025, to February 8, 2026

One of the most fascinating and recognizable artists of the 20th century, Maurits Cornelis Escher (Netherlands, 1898-1972), returns to Milan after a ten-year absence. Through an exhibition project entirely dedicated to him, the new exhibition at MUDEC, M.C. Escher. Between Art and Science, open from September 25 to February 8, 2026, offers a new perspective on his artistic career.

Known for his impossible architecture, optical illusions, tessellations, and metamorphoses, M.C. Escher created a unique visual language that combines art and mathematics. This mathematics is not based on the abstract reasoning of professional academics, but on long, meticulous, and passionate work, based on a more intuitive and perceptive approach. In Escher, art and science merge into a rigorous, inventive, and deeply personal vision, in a common thread that strongly characterizes the exhibition. With a new perspective, M.C. Escher. Between Art and Science also explores the influence of Islamic art—in particular the decorations of the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba—in the construction of the graphic universe that characterizes the Dutch artist's distinctive style.

Finally, the exhibition focuses on Escher, who made this ‘graphic universe’ his stylistic signature, even in his vast commercial production. The exhibition recalls how Escher's genius confronted areas applied to graphic design: in his professional life, the artist produced not only artistic prints on loose sheets, but also illustrations, book and magazine covers, bookplates, greeting cards, decorative motifs for wrapping paper, fabrics, banknotes, etc. Commissioned works were never a minor parenthesis for the artist, but rather fertile ground for refining his visual language.

Produced by 24 ORE Cultura – Gruppo 24 ORE and promoted by the Municipality of Milan-Culture with the support of sponsor Turisanda1924 – part of Alpitour World, the exhibition is in collaboration with the Kunstmuseum Den Haag and made possible thanks to the M.C. Escher Foundation. Thanks to this valuable synergy, it is possible to admire in a single exhibition the important works from the permanent collection of the Dutch museum, which houses the largest public museum collection of M.C. Escher in the world, a significant representation of which is on display.

For further information: M.C. Escher. Between Art and Science - Mudec