巴加蒂瓦尔塞基博物馆

Ancient state capitals, like Rome, London, Paris, Vienna must show off their own beauty and richness, as it officially represents a nation and its political, religious, military, scientific, diplomatic power. Ancient cities of merchants like Venice, Amsterdam, Firenze or Milan, tend to hide their beauty and richness from the public streets, instead: their best secrets are kept indoor, away from gossip and tax officers... ;-) That is why Milan can be best explored and understood by observing the beauty of shop windows, inner courtyards and penthouses. Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi, the Museum, the courtyard and "Sito Privato" demonstrate what I just described in my premise above. The museum is an amazing collection of "eclecticism": this is another concept that is very controversial in art, and yet it was very common in Milan, long before its post-modern popularity. By observing objects of everyday life in different ages and cultures, you can grasp and understand those peoples and times very vividly: it is a method that arouses the curiosity of both children and adults, both educated and clueless visitors. The two cloister-like courtyards and gates are a jewel, and so is the hotel / cafe / deli / restaurant that recently opened there: a place that offers the rare privilege of silence, elegance, and a unique blend of ancient and modern intimacy in the very core of Milan's historic center.

Thank you, Gail N

Thank you so much!

Dear Odissey_M, thank you so much for your nice review.

I think there isn't a similar place in the world! Renaissance styled residence built in the XIX century, located at the heart of Milan's fashion district it has an amazing art and furniture collection, the mansion had been inhabited until 1975 so every corner is in pristine conditions. It also has a very complete audio-guide system (included in the ticket fee). Staff are extremely friendly as most of them are volunteers. I would recommend people to buy the "Case museo" card for €15.00 in order to be able to visit other 4 museums for a better price. http://www.casemuseomilano.it/en/

This well preserved sixteenth century mansion with its treasures of renaissance art is well worth a visit when you tire of the modern treasures in Via Montenapoleone nearby. The original architecture, grand staircases, furnishings and art are fascinating, and ably explained in many languages by the helpful guides.

This mansion belongs to a noble family and is located in the center of Milan’s fashion district. I have visited this place twice and have always found it amazing. This place has been decorated in a rich manner, which might seem gloomy to some. But it is worth a visit for some good photographs.

This is my favourite place to visit in Milan. It is nothing like a museum. You'll get amazed by the collection of painting and medieval weapons that these brothers got to put together. These two got their home made in the late medieval style as it was the fashion in the 19s Milan

This home of an aristocratic family is right in the center of the fashion district. The living quarters have been restored and illustrate how rich Milanese lived around 1900 (it was occupied by descendants until 1975). Though richly decorated, all the rooms were without exception very dark and almost sunless. Dark wood, dark wallpaper, and dark stone. It was gloomy walking through, and I could readily picture the occupants slowly decaying, leading empty lives in this colorless environment, just out of reach of the real world outside. This is the sort of house that Gothic horror movies are set in.As a stately home, the Bagatti Valsecchi (this was their double-barreled family name) Museum is a far cry from Rome's Doria Pamphilj, which is palatial on a much grander scale, and includes many remarkable oils and sculptures to boot. Not recommended for the average tourist, even if like me you enjoy stately homes.

A must visit in the heart of the small item in big bag with big name and price shopping area. Step inside a wonderfully preserved and presented piece of history that is well narrated via a personal speaker etc.... Make sure to take time to appreciate the detail of what it took to put this together and remember this place was lived in the way you see and breath it till 1979. Friendly staff and all this for 4 euros ! Super good !

This is a fabulous unexpected experience in the heart of the shopping district, try the restaurant below for a fantastic lunch.

The condition of the house, the furniture and paintings are very well kept.. we spend 2 hours there .. It was a visit that took as back in time to live the life of the owners with their families, hobbies etc.. I would highly recommend a visit to this museum

Beautiful collection, very well preserved and exhibited. Especially the armor room was impressive. Audio guide is detailed and informative.

Some interesting stuff, but perhaps not worth €8 unless you have an interest in urban stately homes. The attached restaurant is fantastic, although very expensive...

This museum is interesting as a look at the way many rich Milanese families lived before the war. Much of Milan was flattened by bombs in the war and of the 150 palazzi before the war only 44 remain today.It was built by 2 brothers, who were immensely rich, using much recycled material from churches and in a renaissance style. The furniture, some from 15th & 16th centuries, is in amazing condition and it is hard to believe that the family lived there until the 1980s. However even when originally built in the 19th century they did have the luxury of bathrooms with a fitted bath and shower, although not in a style we would recognise today.Only one floor of the house is the museum the remainder is rented out to shops and businesses, which is a shame but it does give an impression of how they lived.There is small room with family photos and possessions which is worth looking at to see how Victorian Milanese families lived. This is definitely worth some time.There was no audio guide but there are plenty of room notes in English (as well as other European languages) and the curator who spoke excellent English was more than willing to answer any questions and talk about his passion for the house.