On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, the Gallerie d’Italia in Milan offers a unique opportunity to explore the exhibition “The Genius of Milan. Crossroads of the Arts from the Cathedral Factory to the 20th Century.” This event, which will run until March 16, 2025, celebrates the historical and cultural influence of the city through a selection of significant works.
Special Valentine’s Promotion
On February 14, 2025, visitors can take advantage of a reduced admission offer of 2-for-1 to explore the permanent collections and the exhibitions currently on display. From 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, the initiative “GALLERIE MON AMOUR” will take place, a romantic journey that invites attendees to discover anecdotes related to love within the museum halls, perfect for couples, solo visitors, or friends.
A Journey Between History and Innovation
The exhibition is curated by an expert team consisting of M. Carminati, F. Mazzocca, A. Morandotti, and P. Zatti, in collaboration with the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana and other cultural institutions in Milan. It showcases over 140 works, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and drawings from both public and private collections.
The honorary president of Intesa Sanpaolo, Prof. Giovanni Bazoli, emphasizes how this exhibition represents an important opportunity to reflect on Milan’s cultural history and its tradition of welcoming foreign artists.
The Exhibition Path
The visit begins with a recounting of the history of the Cathedral through sculptures and letters by Leonardo da Vinci, culminating in stunning stained glass windows directly sourced from the Cathedral itself. These windows were crafted by northern artisans based on designs by Foppa.
Next, the focus shifts to the Milanese Renaissance, highlighting works that have also influenced art in Brescia and the Lake Garda area. The exhibition then examines the artistic relationships between Milan and Venice in the subsequent period, showcasing significant works by Sebastiano Ricci and Giambattista Tiepolo.
A particular emphasis is placed on Neoclassicism, with Andrea Appiani emerging as a central figure due to his appointment as the official painter of Napoleon after meeting the leader in Lonato del Garda.
Romanticism and Futurism
The section dedicated to Romanticism highlights the importance of the Accademia di Brera as a hub of Italian artistic education during that period. Here, visitors can admire the famous self-portrait of Giovanni Segantini alongside other emblematic works of Divisionism.
With Futurism, Milan becomes a pivotal center for artistic innovation, thanks in part to the promotional efforts of critic Margherita Sarfatti.
Finally, the exhibition concludes with a reflection on the relationship between Adolfo Wildt and his students Lucio Fontana and Fausto Melotti, the latter being renowned for his works preserved in various Italian museums.
Practical Details
For more information about the exhibition “The Genius of Milan” or to make reservations, recommended by Thursday at 2:00 PM, you can contact the toll-free number 800.167619 or send an email to milano@gallerieditalia.com. The exhibition catalog is available thanks to a collaboration between Edizioni Gallerie d’Italia and Skira.
This initiative not only highlights Milan’s artistic heritage but also offers a unique glimpse into the cultural interactions across different artistic periods that have helped define the Italian landscape.
Italian Version
