Grande Brera Initiative: Milan’s Cultural Renaissance Unveiled with Palazzo Citterio Opening

After more than fifty years of anticipation, Milan’s cultural landscape is set to be transformed with the inauguration of the Grande Brera initiative. On December 8, 2024, Palazzo Citterio will open its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in the city’s artistic heritage.

The Grande Brera project unites the Pinacoteca di Brera, Palazzo Citterio, and the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense into a cohesive cultural hub. This ambitious endeavor aims to enhance the promotion of arts and sciences, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals that have long been associated with the Brera district.

Palazzo Citterio, an exemplar of 18th-century Milanese Baroque architecture, has undergone meticulous restoration to house modern art collections. The historic rooms of the piano nobile will feature masterpieces by renowned artists such as Boccioni, Morandi, Modigliani, and Carrà. A highlight of the exhibition is the Emilio and Maria Jesi collection. The Jesis, who once resided in Palazzo Citterio, donated their collection to Brera with the express wish that their artworks be displayed in these very rooms. Additionally, the Vitali collection, rich in archaeological artifacts, will be showcased, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience.

For this project, Goppion worked closely with the conservators, curators, and technical staff of Brera, alongside Mario Cucinella Architects, to bring to life the installations envisioned in the museographic plan. This process included preliminary activities such as site surveys and assessments of the Palazzo, as well as an in-depth analysis of the artifacts to determine optimal conservation solutions and to create customized supports for the display of objects in cases and on tables.

With the installation at Palazzo Citterio, Goppion continues its longstanding collaboration with the Grande Brera initiative. This partnership dates back to the 1990s, with contributions that include the first patented rear-mounted case for Mantegna’s Dead Christ—later reimagined by Ermanno Olmi in 2013 using a new Goppion case. Other projects include protective solutions for Renaissance masterpieces like Bramante’s Christ at the Column, protective systems for exhibition spaces, and the retrofitting of lectern cases in the Sala Maria Teresa of the Biblioteca Braidense to meet modern technological standards while respecting their historical significance. Goppion also designed the sophisticated Savoldo Restoration Laboratory, conceived by Ettore Sottsass, and provided exhibition elements for public distancing measures at the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano for Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper.

The opening of Palazzo Citterio not only expands the exhibition space of the Pinacoteca di Brera but also fulfills a long-held vision of creating a unified cultural district in Milan. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with previously unseen artworks and artifacts, enriching their understanding of Italy’s artistic and historical heritage.

As the Grande Brera initiative comes to fruition, it stands as a testament to Milan’s enduring commitment to the arts and sciences. The opening of Palazzo Citterio on December 7, 2024, heralds a new chapter in the city’s cultural narrative, inviting both residents and visitors to explore and celebrate the treasures within.