The family mansion of Bagatti Valsecchi showcases an extraordinary collection of rare and unique artefacts, which come together to create a fascinating museum experience. The idea to restyle their family home came from the two brothers, Fausto and Giuseppe Bagatti Valsecchi who both shared in a fascination of the 15th & 16th centuries and collecting renaissance artefacts.
The two brothers were very close but in fact had very different personalities. Fausto was known for being fond of high society and parties whilst Giuseppe was a more reserved family man. Despite their differences, it didn’t detract from their shared love of the renaissance period and their desire to create a neo-renaissance style home, which unbeknown to them would eventually becoming a living museum.
In the 1880’s the brothers decided to renovate their old ancestral mansion located in the fashion district of Montenapoleone and started to procure items of medieval art, period furniture, rich Italian renaissance works, European renaissance armour and weapons, amongst many other collectable possessions. Their goal was to create an exhibition space inspired by the Lombardy 15th century mansions.
There are several halls, galleries and spaces to explore within the museum, which are all filled with exquisite curiosities and stunning pieces of art.
A couple of my favourite rooms where the Grand Salon, which is the largest room in the house featuring a double-height ceiling embellished with golden pine cones and walls enriched by a precious 19th century tapestry, which are customised with the Bagatti Valsecchi coat of arms. If you look closely around the door frames you can also find some fantastic carvings including skulls and crossbones, hourglasses and snakes. The second of my favourite rooms was the antique Arms’ Gallery where the brothers displayed their collection of shields, armour and weapons, that mostly consisted of blades, which further depict the renaissance era the brothers were pursuing. Not only can you admire the hundreds of historic artefacts within the museum but it’s also worth noting that the interiors of the house have all been preserved and are completely authentic.
After the brother’s passed away the house continued to be inhabited by their heirs until 1974 when the Bagatti Valsecchi Foundation was established and the house turned into the museum in 1994. The museum hosts an extraordinary atmosphere of extreme luxury and splendour, whilst at the same time featuring some of the most wonderful curiosities you will find in Milan.
