La Bottega
In the heart of Metz, on rue Taison, La Bottega is not a gallery like any other: it is first and foremost an engraving studio, where intaglio and relief printing are practised. Several resident artists create, exhibit and welcome visitors here. You step inside to see the work up close and, sometimes, to catch the smell of ink.
A living engraving studio
La Bottega takes its name from the Italian: the craftsman's workshop and shop. Here, artists engrave, print and pull prints. The space brings together several practitioners around engraving and printmaking, but also drawing and ceramics. Patricia Gérardin runs the studio and welcomes trainees of all ages. Far from a fixed exhibition room, this is a working place you can visit: you come across finished pieces as well as works in progress, and can chat with the people who make them.
See, learn, leave with a print
Admission is free and self-guided. To go further, the studio offers engraving workshops by appointment and life-drawing sessions. It is also a meeting point during Metz's major art events, such as the Parcours d'artistes and Heritage Days. Most of the works on display are for sale: a fine chance to leave with an original print rather than a reproduction, and to support local creation directly.
Questions fréquentes
What exactly is La Bottega?
An engraving and printmaking studio doubling as a gallery, where several artists work, exhibit and welcome visitors in Metz.
Is there an admission fee?
No, visiting the gallery is free. Only the engraving workshops, by appointment, are chargeable.
Can the works be bought?
Yes, most of the prints and pieces on display are offered for sale, in direct contact with the artists.
