Palazzo Maffei

Palazzo Maffei, located in the picturesque Piazza delle Erbe in Verona, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture that tells centuries of history, art, and culture. Built from the 17th century by bankers Marcantonio and Rolandino Maffei, the palace stands out for its richly decorated facade and imposing presence that closes the northwest side of the square. The origins of the palace date back to the 15th century, when the Maffei family decided to expand an existing structure. The expansion project, started in 1626, led to the construction of a Baroque facade decorated with statues, pilasters, and capitals, culminating in 1668 with the creation of a panoramic terrace and a hanging garden. The six statues adorning the top of the palace represent classical deities such as Hercules, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Apollo, and Minerva, expertly sculpted in local marble and, in the case of Hercules, in Parian marble from local archaeological excavations. The interior of the palace is equally fascinating. The spectacular helical staircase, described by Scipione Maffei as “suspended in the air,” is a masterpiece of engineering and design, connecting the various floors of the palace. The halls of the noble floor preserve classical frescoes, floral stuccoes, and period furnishings that testify to the refined taste and opulence of the Maffei family. In 2020, Palazzo Maffei was transformed into a museum thanks to the initiative of entrepreneur Luigi Carlon, who wanted to share his extensive art collection with the public. The Carlon collection, the result of over fifty years of passionate collecting, includes more than 600 works ranging from antiquity to contemporary art. Among the masterpieces on display are works by great masters such as Giotto, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Pisanello, and modern artists like Picasso, De Chirico, Duchamp, and Warhol. The collection is particularly rich in works of Veronese art from the 15th to the 18th century, with works by artists such as Liberale da Verona, Nicolò Giolfino, Giambettino Cignaroli, and many others. This collection represents an impressive compendium of local artistic history, highlighting the stylistic and cultural evolution of the city through the centuries. The museum is not just an exhibition of artworks, but also a place for cultural dialogue and interaction. Vanessa Carlon, director and vice president of the museum, emphasized the importance of creating a connection with the city and involving young people and students in the museum’s activities. This commitment is reflected in numerous collaborations with the University of Verona and in a program of cultural and educational events that enrich the museum’s offerings.