Palazzo Morando: A Milanese Jewel of Art, Fashion, and History

Palazzo Morando, located in the heart of Milan's prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda (fashion district), is a captivating museum housed within a historic palace. Originally built in the 16th century and significantly remodeled in the 18th century, the palazzo boasts a stunning Baroque style, reflecting the tastes of the aristocratic families who resided here over the centuries. The palace's history is intertwined with prominent Milanese families, including the Casati, Villa, and Morando Attendolo Bolognini families. Countess Lydia Caprara Morando Attendolo Bolognini bequeathed the palazzo to the City of Milan in 1945. Following wartime damage to Palazzo Sormani, the city's museum collections were moved here. Today, Palazzo Morando serves as a multifaceted cultural institution. It houses the Museo di Milano, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and prints that document the urban and social development of Milan from the 17th to the early 20th centuries. The museum also features the Costume Moda Immagine collection, displaying a rotating selection of clothing and accessories from the 17th century to the early 2000s. Visitors can admire the palace's elegant architecture, including the grand staircase with its Rococo balustrade, the Chinese Gallery with its oriental porcelain, and the Olympus Room, commemorating the wedding of Giovanni Villa and Maria Pusterla. The Egyptian Room, Hercules Room, Salottino Dorato, and Sala Dhò further exemplify the palace's artistic richness.