Ascari. Libera Università: Jacopo Ascari Illustrates the Cultural Memory of Milan

At the legendary Bar Jamaica, fashion, art, and history come together in a new exhibition supported by Velasca.

MILAN, ITALY — September 18, 2026 — For more than a century, Bar Jamaica has been a meeting place for artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals who helped shape Milan’s cultural identity. This autumn, that history takes on a new visual language with “Ascari. Libera Università,” an illustrated exhibition by Jacopo Ascari, presented at the iconic Milanese café from September 17 to December 1, 2026.

More than a historic coffee bar, Jamaica has long represented a space where conversations, friendships, and creative ideas crossed generations. Its small outdoor tables have witnessed encounters between some of Italy’s most influential figures in art, literature, design, photography, film, and music.

Ascari’s project transforms that legacy into an illustrated narrative, bringing the café’s cultural memory to life through original compositions.

A Living Archive of Milanese Culture

The exhibition takes inspiration from the personalities who frequented Bar Jamaica, including artists Piero Manzoni and Lucio Fontana, writers Alberto Arbasino and Luciano Bianciardi, designers Joe Colombo and Ettore Sottsass, photographers Ugo Mulas and Alfa Castaldi, and musicians Enzo Jannacci and Gino Paoli.

The historic paper placemats used during service become the foundation for Ascari’s visual storytelling. Illustrated portraits of celebrated figures appear alongside details of the café’s interiors and furnishings, evoking the Brera of another era—its streets, cafés, and creative energy.

Alongside recognizable faces, Ascari introduces fragments and “metaphysical memories”: evocative images that capture the spirit of the location beyond a straightforward historical reconstruction.

The result is a visual tribute to a place where art and everyday life have shared the same table.

Velasca Joins the Creative Dialogue

Italian footwear brand supports the initiative as a partner of the opening event, extending the exhibition’s cultural narrative into a limited-edition capsule collection.

Unveiled during the vernissage, the collection includes T-shirts, illustrated placemats, and a set of coffee cups featuring the Ascari, Jamaica, and Velasca collaboration.

The limited-edition pieces will be available through Velasca’s Milan stores and online, offering visitors a way to take a piece of the exhibition’s story beyond the café.

Discover the capsule: .

Supporting Milan’s Cultural Heritage

The exhibition is supported by , an association dedicated to promoting and enhancing Milan’s museum heritage and cultural landscape.

Having previously entrusted Jacopo Ascari with its campaign, MuseoCity will amplify the exhibition through its communication channels and include the event in its cultural calendar.