Milan is a city known for its close living, busy traffic and chaotic lifestyle. And although you find examples of old school elegance, you could be forgiven for thinking this house was a country villa surrounded by peaceful greenery. Instead, it’s the most beautiful surprise in the centre of Milan, where you have the opportunity of visiting a very unique and important piece of architecture.

With restorations finished, the Villa Necchi Campiglio is re-opening to the public for summer in Via Mozart. This example of rationalist architecture was planned by Piero Portaluppi in 1932. This is a very modern example for the Necchi industrial family of the late 1800’s, distancing itself from tradition and giving itself over to modern ideas of luxury and elegance: rooms are spacious with high ceilings, prestigious materials (for example the central staircase with deco motifs and the brass heaters), a large garden with greenhouse, garage, swimming pool and tennis court.

The Repubblica newspaper has said of the villa:

Having escaped from bombardments during the wars, and never having been subject to generational change, this exceptional residential complex is perfectly integrated, a mirror of refined taste and the elevated lifestyle of its owners.

Two important donations enrich the visit: the extraordinary art collection from the 1900’s by Claudia Gian Ferrari, with works by Sironi, Martini, de Chirico and others; and the refined collection of paintings and decorative art of the 18th century from Alighiero and Emilietta De’ Micheli, which include works from Canaletto, Rosalba Carriera and Tiepolo.

Despite all this, the villa has a very special, recent story whereby the Necchi family donated the property to Fai - the Italian Foundation for the Environment - for a three-year restoration project. President of Fai, Giulia Maria Crespi, has said “you can hold conventions, weddings and other celebrations in the villa. It will open in the evenings, with the café open by the pool and tennis court. It’s a museum-villa not just to visit, but also which Milan’s people can personally live.” The Villa will be open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, while the bar and café will open from the middle of June, everyday until 9pm.

(no votes)

0 comments