Casa Cavazzini: a bridge between history and modernity in the heart of Udine

In the historic center of Udine, surrounded by elegant palaces and picturesque alleys, stands a cultural institution that serves as a bridge between past and future: Casa Cavazzini – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The museum is not only the city’s main center for twentieth-century and contemporary art, but also a true architectural gem, housed in a beautifully restored sixteenth-century palace. This fascinating blend of historical architecture and modern creativity makes a visit to Casa Cavazzini a unique and inspiring experience.

A Historic Palace Restored by Gae Aulenti

The story of Casa Cavazzini — a sixteenth-century building that has witnessed centuries of urban life — became inseparably linked to art in 2012, the year it opened as a museum. Its transformation was the result of a visionary restoration project by the renowned architect Gae Aulenti, who masterfully enhanced the ancient structure while preserving its original frescoes and decorations. At the same time, she created bright, spacious, and functional areas perfectly suited to contemporary art exhibitions. The result is a museum that honors its past while confidently looking toward the future.

The Collections: A Journey Through Twentieth-Century Friulian and Italian Art

Casa Cavazzini’s permanent collection offers a fascinating journey through twentieth- and twenty-first-century art, with a particular focus on artists from the Friuli region. The exhibition is spread over three floors:

• The first floor is dedicated to post-war art, featuring the so-called Astaldi Collection, which includes important works by artists such as Filippo de Pisis and Renato Guttuso.
• The second floor showcases major Friulian and Italian masters who shaped the twentieth century, including Afro, Mirko, and Zoran Mušič, all of whom brought a unique and deeply personal interpretation to the avant-garde movements of their time.
• The third floor hosts the Works from the Collection section, which changes periodically to offer visitors new perspectives on contemporary art.

A Center for Culture and Innovation

Casa Cavazzini is not a static institution but a vibrant hub of cultural research and production. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts high-profile temporary exhibitions featuring both national and international artists, as well as themes of great contemporary relevance. Its role extends beyond exhibition to education and outreach, with workshops for schools and public events designed to make modern and contemporary art accessible to everyone.

Useful Information

• Address: Via Cavour, 14, Udine (UD)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0432 127 3772
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday: closed
• Tickets:
  • Admission: approximately €5.00 (reduced €2.50).
  • The ticket is often combined with access to other civic museums in Udine, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Cover photo credits: Udine2812, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0