![Arcipelago di Ocno in Mantua by Space Caviar](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-ft-1.jpg)
Photography: courtesy of Space Caviar
Mantua has a new cultural destination: a series of lily pad-like concert stages that float on the lake.
The Arcipelago di Ocno comprises seven circles referencing the lotus flowers that bloom in the water in the summer months.
![](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-7-1050x663.jpg)
Photography: courtesy of Space Caviar
![](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-5-1050x663.jpg)
Photography: courtesy of Space Caviar
![](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-4-1050x591.jpg)
Photography: courtesy of Space Caviar
![](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-1050x700.jpg)
Photography: courtesy of Space Caviar
![](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-2-1050x700.jpg)
Photography: courtesy of Space Caviar
Named for the mythical demigod that supposedly built Mantua, and designed by Italian studio Space Caviar, the islands vary in size and can be re-connected in different configurations.
It’s hoped that the new floating stages will help reconnect the city with its surrounding lakes, and may eventually be expanded further for future events.
![Arcipelago di Ocno in Mantua by Space Caviar](https://thespaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Arcipelago-di-Ocno-space-caviar-mantua-3.jpg)
‘Mantova’s citizens have been deprived for too many years of the pleasure to fully enjoy the relationship with water,’ says Lorenza Baroncelli, the city’s Councilor for Urban Regeneration.
‘The archipelago is a further incentive to continue to regenerate the lakes, and make them part of the urban and social fabric of Mantova.’
The stages opened on 11 September, and will host a programme of music, dance and art events as part of the city’s year-long status as Italian Capital of Culture.
Floating architecture also took over Italy’s Lake Iseo earlier in the year, when artist Christo installed a system of that allowed visitors to walk from one side of the lake to the other.
Read next: A floating pavilion puts bathing at the heart of Manifesta art biennial in Zürich.