GAM: Galleria d'Arte Moderna/Villa Reale

GAM: Galleria d'Arte Moderna/Villa Reale Review

One of the city's most beautiful buildings, this museum is an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture. It was built between 1790 and 1796 as a residence for a member of the Belgioioso family. It later became known as the Villa Reale (royal) when it was donated to Napoléon, who lived here briefly with Empress Josephine. Its origins as residence are reflected in the elegance of its proportions and its private garden behind.

Likewise, the collection of paintings is domestic rather than monumental. There are many portraits, as well as collections of miniatures on porcelain. Unusual for an Italian museum, this collection derives from private donations from Milan's hereditary and commercial aristocracies. On display are the collection left by prominent painter and sculptor Marino Marini and the immense Quarto Stato (Fourth Estate), which is at the top of the grand staircase. Completed in 1901 by Pellizza da Volpedo, this painting of striking workers is an icon of 20th-century Italian art and labor history, and as such it has been satirized almost as much as the Mona Lisa. This museum is a unique glimpse of the splendors hiding behind Milan's discreet and often stern facades.