Discovering the Artistic Treasures of Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano in Milan

Nestled discreetly within a grand apartment building in Milan's Porta Venezia neighborhood, Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano offers a unique glimpse into the artistic legacy of its former residents, Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano. Unlike typical museums, the entrance is unassuming, leading visitors to a remarkable collection of approximately 2,000 pieces of twentieth-century art accumulated by the couple during their vibrant social life.

Designed by renowned architect Piero Portaluppi between 1929 and 1931, the building exudes a charm of a bygone era, featuring intricate mosaic tile floors and a stunning spiraling staircase. The residence, commissioned by Marieda Di Stefano's father, was intended to house his children in close quarters, creating a tight-knit family environment.

As guests step into the hallway, they are greeted by two captivating portraits of the couple by painter Remo Brindisi, which embody the personal connection between the artists and their subjects. Antonio, an engineer for the prestigious Pirelli tire company, and Marieda, a ceramics enthusiast, were deeply embedded in Milan's cultural scene, and their legacy is preserved within the museum's walls.

Following their deaths, the couple's impressive collection was entrusted to the Municipality of Milan, leading to its exhibition at Palazzo Reale in 1974 while a permanent venue was secured. After renovations, the museum officially opened its doors in 2003, transforming the couple's former home into a vibrant space filled with filtered natural light and artistic treasures.

The museum comprises eleven rooms, each designed to chronologically and thematically showcase the evolution of 20th-century art. Visitors can explore works from Italian artists like Mario Sironi and Giorgio Morandi, alongside pieces from the English avant-garde artist Ralph Rumney. One notable highlight is Giorgio de Chirico's "The School of Gladiators: The Combat" (1928), complemented by Lucio Fontana's iconic "Concetto spaziale" series, marked by his signature slashes through the canvas.

Photographs by Gabriele Basilico from 1982 provide a nostalgic view of the home as it once was, filled with canvases leaning against walls and colorful carpets underfoot. This intimate setting emphasizes the multifaceted nature of domestic spaces—serving not just as homes but also as cultural hubs and repositories of artistic heritage. Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to transform and illuminate our lives.

Source: www.designboom.com