The Big Benches in Italy: The Complete Guide to Big Bench

Today, I want to take you on a journey across Italy without a fixed destination to discover where the Big Benches are. But before diving into the heart of this article, let’s take a moment to understand what these giant benches are and the inspiring project behind them.

Let’s explore the Big Bench project in Italy together!

What we’ll cover in this article

What are the Big Benches?

The Big Benches are large-scale artistic installations created in 2010 by American designer Chris Bangle. The first bench, named Big Red Bench #1, was placed in Clavesana, in the Langhe region, to offer a fresh perspective on the landscape and life itself.

Sitting on these oversized benches gives you the feeling of being a child again, allowing you to see the world from a new and wonderful vantage point.

The Big Bench Community Project (BBCP)

Described by Bangle as “a real viral phenomenon,” the project led to the creation of the Big Bench Community Project (BBCP) Foundation in 2021. This non-profit organization promotes:

The enhancement of local communities.
Support for tourism and local artisan excellence.
Visibility for remote and lesser-known locations.

The BBCP provides free access to the copyright-protected bench designs to anyone interested in installing one, under the condition that certain fundamental requirements are met, such as:

Their placement in scenic, lesser-known spots.
Full public accessibility.

Stay tuned for the next part of the article, where we’ll discover the history and unique appeal of the Big Benches!

The First Big Bench: A Symbol of the Langhe

The first Big Bench was installed in 2010 in Clavesana, a renowned wine region in the Langhe. Standing approximately two meters tall and four meters wide, the Big Red Bench was conceived as an artistic installation to inspire a fresh perspective on the landscape. Chris Bangle dedicated this bench to love, and more specifically, to his wife. His goal was to sit on the bench with her and, in a way, “relive childhood,” as the oversized dimensions mimic the feeling of being a child sitting on a bench with feet dangling above the ground.

From the First Bench to a Global Phenomenon

The Big Red Bench quickly won the hearts of visitors, becoming a local attraction. Due to its popularity, other giant benches of the same model, but in different colors, were installed in picturesque locations throughout the Langhe and beyond.

Today, the project boasts 392 official benches (with another 65 under construction), spread primarily across Italy, but also in Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

How Do the Big Benches Work?

Installation Requirements

Anyone interested in building a Big Bench must adhere to the following criteria:

Location: Benches must be placed in scenic spots, away from houses or churches, and accessible 24/7.
Funding: The benches must be privately funded or supported by volunteer groups, with no public funds involved.
Starter Kit: To receive the design and necessary materials, a contribution is required, ranging from €580 to €1,390.

A portion of the proceeds is allocated to cultural projects in the municipalities hosting the benches.

The Map and Geolocation of the Big Benches

The BBCP official website provides an interactive map to locate all the giant benches:

Installed benches are marked with colored symbols.
Dashed gray symbols represent benches under construction.
You can search for nearby benches by entering an address.

Explore the Big Benches map to find the currently installed Big Benches!

The Big Bench Passport

A unique element of the project is the Big Bench Passport, available for purchase at the cost of €6. This passport allows visitors to collect personalized stamps, one for each bench they visit, featuring the logo and the name of the village.

Where to buy it? A list of participating businesses is available on the official website in the “Passport” section.
Goal: Collect as many stamps as possible while noting down personal experiences and memories.

The Big Benches: A Different Perspective on the Territory

An Opportunity for Local Communities

The Big Benches are not just tourist attractions; they also serve as tools for territorial enhancement:

They increase tourism in lesser-known areas.
They support local artisans through the BBCP.

Criticisms of the Project

Not everyone views the Big Benches positively. Some critics consider them a passing trend that does not authentically enhance the territory. However, their economic and social impact is undeniable.

Where are the Big Benches in Italy?

The official BBCP website provides a complete list of the benches, with details on their number and location.

Examples of Iconic Big Benches

Here are some of the most famous Big Benches:

Big Red Bench #1 (Clavesana, Langhe): the bench that started the project.
Panchina Blu del Monferrato: one of the most photographed due to its breathtaking panorama.
Big Bench of Trentino: positioned with a view of the Dolomites.

Even in Campo di Giove, we have “our own” iconic Big Bench, specifically number 274. If you want to learn more, read the article 5 things to do in Campo di Giove with kids.

Why Visit the Big Benches?

The Big Benches offer a unique experience:

A new perspective: observe the landscape “like a child”.
Relaxation and socializing: designed to welcome multiple people.
A collection of memories: the passport adds a sense of adventure.

Discovering the Big Benches means immersing yourself in a project that combines design, nature, and local communities, offering moments of wonder and sharing.

Chris’s dream is to see the Big Benches one day in historically more hostile territories as symbols of peace in war-torn countries.

Beyond this idea, I find the project itself simply genius, and by giving visibility to extraordinary yet lesser-known places, it has successfully garnered the support of local administrations.

It’s time to become children again, with our own children, and discover the Big Benches scattered across the land.

Digitally Yours

☀️ Sara ☀️