Galimberti House

Casa Galimberti is one of the most fascinating expressions of Liberty style in Milan, located at via Marcello Malpighi 3. Built between 1903 and 1905 by architect Giovanni Battista Bossi on behalf of the Galimberti brothers, this building represents a milestone in Milanese architecture at the beginning of the 20th century. Its facade, covered with glazed ceramic tiles and decorated with wrought iron details, is a masterpiece of aesthetics and technique. The facade of Casa Galimberti is a true spectacle for the eyes, covering approximately 170 square meters with a mix of floral decorations and female figures, typical of Liberty style. These decorations, made with the technique of “painted fire ceramics,” give the building a unique appearance rich in colors and details. Each floor of the facade features distinct motifs: the first floor is characterized by depictions of voluptuous women, while the upper floors continue with elegant wrought iron floral motifs, giving movement and lightness to the structure. Casa Galimberti stands on a corner between via Malpighi and via Sirtori, composed of two non-perpendicular wings, measuring 32 and 33 meters in length respectively. The load-bearing walls are made of bricks, with a reinforced concrete slab between the basement and the ground floor. This innovative use of materials for the time allowed for the creation of a solid and durable structure, capable of withstanding the test of time and weather. The interior of Casa Galimberti is no less fascinating than the exterior. In the 1990s, a restoration brought to light the original decorations of the entrance hall and staircase, reminiscent of the floral motifs on the exterior facades. This restoration intervention has allowed for the preservation and enhancement of the art and craftsmanship of the time, offering visitors an immersive experience in Milan’s Belle Époque. The history of Casa Galimberti is closely linked to the urban transformation of Milan. The building stands on land that in the 19th century housed the Omnibus and Tramways Company, the company that managed public transport between Milan and Monza. This area, near Porta Venezia, was a hub for transportation and commerce, contributing to the economic and social development of the city. Liberty architecture, also known as Art Nouveau, spread in Milan between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, finding fertile ground among the rapidly rising industrial bourgeoisie. Casa Galimberti is one of the brightest examples of this style, combining the elegance of curved lines and natural elements with technical and artistic innovation. The building’s facade is decorated with concrete reliefs representing floral and animal motifs, wrought iron balconies, and ceramic tiles depicting bucolic scenes and lush leaves. The neighborhood around Casa Galimberti is equally rich in history and culture. Located a short walk from the Public Gardens Indro Montanelli, the building is part of a lively and dynamic urban context, with numerous examples of Liberty architecture. Corso Buenos Aires, one of Milan’s main shopping streets, is easily accessible on foot, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.