Villa Necchi Campiglio
Family museum-home constructed between 1932 and 1935 by Piero Portaluppi
Milan tends to hide its history and artistic treasures inside old palaces and family villas. The Villa Necchi Campiglio is one such repository. Designed by modern architect Piero Portaluppi for a family of wealthy industrialists, the villa contains both the family's secrets and their collections of art and evening gowns. Architecture, decorative arts, furnishings and collections express as a harmonious whole the high standard of living of the owners, who belonged to the upper middle class of Lombard industrial families. At the same time, the fervor of daily activity is adequately witnessed by the service areas of the house, the pantry, the kitchens and bathrooms, all still graced with their original facilities.
In addition, two important donations enrich the visit: Claudia Gian Ferrari’s collection of early 20th century art and Alighiero de’ Micheli’s collection of 18th century paintings and decorative arts.Highlights include a gigantic library on the first floor. The grounds, which are also stunning, feature a lovely garden, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. Guides are available, just be sure to book in advance and specify whether you'd like an English-language tour. Entrance: 9 euros. Access to the garden and swimming pool is free to the public.
