The Intimate Charm of Milan's Casa Musei
Milan in the height of summer can be wonderfully quiet, but also undeniably hot, especially when much of the city, including many independent shops, takes a well-deserved break. If you find yourself in the city during these quieter, warmer months and are looking for a truly unique experience beyond the usual tourist path, I'd like to suggest spending some time in Milan's fascinating Casa Musei (house museums).
This unique network of independently owned houses, now open to the public, offers far more than just a display of artworks and objects. Stepping into a Casa Museo is an intimate journey, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the social and cultural evolution that shaped Milan. These homes offer a direct window into how certain visions and ideas blossomed, eventually laying the foundation for the distinct aesthetics and design philosophies that define Northern Italy's industrial, architectural, and fashion design. They reveal the very heart, soul, and aspirations that have forged Milan's global role in fashion, architecture, and design.
Take respite from the relentless summer sun, and discover these three captivating house museums:
Poldi Pezzoli Museum: A Fashion District Gem
A true keystone of Milan's renowned fashion district, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum is a must-visit. The museum's exquisite layout and interior design owe a significant debt to the brilliant set designer Giuseppe Bertini. Beyond its remarkable collections, you'll even find a dedicated room for the reading of Dante – a testament to the rich cultural tapestry woven into this elegant home.
Villa Necchi Campiglio: Rationalist Oasis in the Heart of Milan
Famously cinematic in Luca Guadagnino's "I Am Love," starring Tilda Swinton, Villa Necchi Campiglio is an architectural and artistic masterpiece that now hosts the New York Times spring soiree during Milan's Design Week. Designed by the visionary Piero Portaluppi and constructed between 1932 and 1935, this villa is an absolute delight. Its stunning garden, complete with a swimming pool, offers an unrivalled oasis of peace right in the heart of Milan. More importantly, it provides a superb opportunity to study Portaluppi's ideas on Italian rationalism and his masterful approach to managing tensions in architectural designs.
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum: Neo-Renaissance Splendor
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is exceptionally rich, both in its surprisingly modern, for its time, interior layout and in the breadth of its captivating collections. Opened to the public in 1994, the museum is situated within the residence of Baron Fausto and Baron Giuseppe Bagatti Valsecchi. These brothers were responsible for a remarkable Neo-Renaissance overhaul initiated in the 1880s, drawing profound inspiration from 16th-century Lombard homes. So captivating was their creation that even George Vanderbilt found himself visiting this house museum not once, but twice!
72 Smalldive's Tour Experience (Tradition & Avant Garde) offers a specialized architecture tour or a personalized tour of Milan that includes visits to Villa Necchi or any of the other magnificent Casa Musei, serving to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Milan's architectural and design gems.