Palazzo Morando

Palazzo Morando, located in via Sant’Andrea in Milan, is a historic building that represents a fascinating example of Lombard Baroque architecture. Built in the 16th century and renovated in the 18th century, the palace has hosted several noble Milanese families, including the Casati and Villa families. The Casati family was the first to leave a significant mark on the building, decorating some of the halls with painted coffered ceilings and friezes with cupids, dated 1651. However, it was the Villa family that left a lasting imprint on the palace, especially thanks to Giovanni Villa, who in the 18th century commissioned important embellishment works to adapt the residence to the taste of Lombard Baroque of the time. The transformation of the palace is mainly due to the work of Giovanni Villa, who not only acquired the fiefdom of Grezzago in 1750, but also married Maria Pusterla, belonging to an ancient and noble Milanese family. This marriage marked the beginning of a series of interventions that gave the palace its current appearance, with richly decorated interiors and a Baroque imprint evident in every detail. One of the most distinctive elements of Palazzo Morando is the monumental double-ramp staircase, with a rococo volute balustrade, which introduces visitors to the interior spaces. Among the rooms of greatest artistic interest are the Hall of Olympus, with decorations attributed to Giovanni Antonio Cucchi celebrating the wedding between Giovanni Villa and Maria Pusterla, the Golden Sitting Room, the Egyptian room with a mosaic floor with Egyptian and classical motifs, and the Hercules room, with a fresco by Giovan Battista Ronchelli. In 1909, the palace was purchased by the spouses Gian Giacomo and Lydia Morando Attendolo Bolognini. Upon Lydia’s death in 1945, the building was donated to the Municipality of Milan. After the war, the palace became the headquarters of the Museum of Milan, after the previous headquarters of Palazzo Sormani was destroyed by bombings. Today, the museum houses the Costume Moda Immagine collection, which gathers fashion garments and accessories, as well as artworks related to the city’s history. Another attraction of Palazzo Morando is the Chinese Gallery, which exhibits Chinese porcelain and ceramics from the Morando collection. This space, along with the other rooms of the palace, offers visitors a journey through the history of Milanese art and fashion, representing a meeting point between past and present. The history of Palazzo Morando reflects the political and social transformations of Milan over the centuries. From a noble residence to a museum headquarters, the building has been able to adapt to changes, while maintaining its beauty and charm intact. Every room, every architectural detail tells a part of the city’s history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Milanese life. The palace also houses artworks donated by Duchess Eugenia Litta Visconti Arese, including the famous romantic sculpture “The Morning Prayer” by Vincenzo Vela, commissioned in 1846 by Duke Giulio Litta, Eugenia’s husband. This contribution further enriches the museum’s collection, making Palazzo Morando a true treasure trove of artistic treasures.