13 GRAND-RUE
This is the location of the actual exhibition and the place where most of the activities and events will take place.
Nestled in the heart of the old town, 13GR’ is primarily a creative space with the Calamart gallery. Through its exhibitions, openings, or private events, it is a unique space for exchange. An “Acciaio” corner is located in the middle of the gallery.
THE LEGEND
Invoke the word ‘Celeste,’ and you’ll witness the eyes of cycling enthusiasts misting over with an almost mystical fervor… For this unique color – a turquoise greenish-blue – is a true legend in the world of cycling. And like all legends, the origin of this color mixes folklore, urban legend, and a little history.
Some say it represents the sky of Milan on a summer evening. After all, in Latin, the word means ‘sky.’ Others claim it is inspired by the eyes of Queen Margherita of Savoy, for whom Edoardo Bianchi supposedly crafted a bicycle. Finally, more pragmatic explanations suggest that it is merely the result of a chance mixture of surplus military paints obtained inexpensively.
Not content with having an uncertain origin, Celeste has also undergone significant changes over time, to paraphrase Verlaine, ‘neither quite the same, nor quite another,’ making it all the more indefinable…
Regardless, in a world where millions of brands fight to stand out, it’s rare for a simple color to be immediately recognizable and so evocative of passion, tradition, and performance. Today, Celeste has attained this unique status and is inseparable from the brand.
Celeste is Bianchi. Bianchi is Celeste.
OVER 20 HISTORIC BICYCLES
The exhibition constitutes a Bianchi Campagnolo retrospective, bringing together 50 years of legendary racing bicycles and items in the brand’s colors. From the 1953 ‘Paris-Roubaix’ model to the 2000 ‘Pantani,’ a total of 20 iconic and sometimes very rare pieces will be on display.
Curated by Arnaud Lambert, the exhibition has benefited from the valuable collaboration of several experts and knowledgeable collectors who agreed to share their encyclopedic knowledge and lend certain rare pieces. These contributors include David Lancosme (AtelieREcycle), Silvain Rochat (Rochat Cycles), Urs Staeger, Yves Caillon, and Harry Meyer (brief biographies provided below).
The exhibition starts on April 11, with the opening scheduled for April 28. It will be followed by several private events during the two and a half months the exhibition will run. Sound and visuals will complement the exhibition.
On May 21, a ‘classic’ bike ride is planned in Geneva for fans and admirers of the brand, all naturally riding on Bianchis Celeste!
