Museo Poldi Pezzoli (Poldi Pezzoli Museum), Milan (must see)
Noble palazzi grace the elegant Via Manzoni, but one historical home not to be missed is the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, an aristocrat of refined taste, amassed an exquisite collection of art, antiques, and curiosities within his palace. With the help of an inheritance and a group of skilled craftsmen, connoisseurs, and artists, Poldi Pezzoli restored the palace and transformed its apartments into a series of historically-themed rooms inspired by great art periods of the past. He stipulated that upon his death, the building and its priceless treasures should be accessible to the public.
In 1881, the museum opened, and Poldi Pezzoli's passion for arms and armoury formed the core collection. In time, this was supplemented with 15th-18th century Italian paintings, sculpture, Persian carpets, porcelain, and Murano glass. While only four of the original 'Artistic Rooms' survived the bombing of WWII, they have been meticulously restored to their former glory: the rococo-style Stucco Room, the mahogany and ivory-clad Black Room, Pezzoli鈥檚 bedroom in the Antique Murano Room, and the Byzantine-influenced Dante study, where he kept his prized possessions.
The museum's highlights include Renaissance masterpieces such as Mantegna's 鈥淧ortrait of a Man鈥� and 鈥淢adonna and Child鈥�, Piero della Francesca's 鈥淒eposition鈥� and 鈥淪t Nicholas of Tolentino鈥�, and Botticelli鈥檚 鈥淢adonna and Child鈥� in the Salone Dorato (Golden Salon). However, the portrait that captures the hearts of locals is Pollaiuolo's enchanting 鈥淧ortrait of a Young Woman鈥� (1441-96), which now serves as the museum's emblem.
As you navigate through the museum, you'll also encounter displays of Venetian glass, 18th-century porcelain, and cabinets shimmering with jewelry.
Why You Should Visit:
A stunning edifice, complemented by an equally impressive art collection that simply demands your attention.
Tip:
This particular establishment is one of the rare few that remain open on Mondays, and its admission fee is quite reasonable, so spending just a little extra on the audio guide is surely worth it.
In 1881, the museum opened, and Poldi Pezzoli's passion for arms and armoury formed the core collection. In time, this was supplemented with 15th-18th century Italian paintings, sculpture, Persian carpets, porcelain, and Murano glass. While only four of the original 'Artistic Rooms' survived the bombing of WWII, they have been meticulously restored to their former glory: the rococo-style Stucco Room, the mahogany and ivory-clad Black Room, Pezzoli鈥檚 bedroom in the Antique Murano Room, and the Byzantine-influenced Dante study, where he kept his prized possessions.
The museum's highlights include Renaissance masterpieces such as Mantegna's 鈥淧ortrait of a Man鈥� and 鈥淢adonna and Child鈥�, Piero della Francesca's 鈥淒eposition鈥� and 鈥淪t Nicholas of Tolentino鈥�, and Botticelli鈥檚 鈥淢adonna and Child鈥� in the Salone Dorato (Golden Salon). However, the portrait that captures the hearts of locals is Pollaiuolo's enchanting 鈥淧ortrait of a Young Woman鈥� (1441-96), which now serves as the museum's emblem.
As you navigate through the museum, you'll also encounter displays of Venetian glass, 18th-century porcelain, and cabinets shimmering with jewelry.
Why You Should Visit:
A stunning edifice, complemented by an equally impressive art collection that simply demands your attention.
Tip:
This particular establishment is one of the rare few that remain open on Mondays, and its admission fee is quite reasonable, so spending just a little extra on the audio guide is surely worth it.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Milan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Museo Poldi Pezzoli (Poldi Pezzoli Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Museo Poldi Pezzoli (Poldi Pezzoli Museum)
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
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