Poldi Pezzoli Museum reborn: Alessandra Quarto on restoring the

The Poldi Pezzoli: a house‑museum in central Milan

The Poldi Pezzoli Museum, located on via Manzoni near La Scala, is the historic house-museum of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli (1822–1879). Housed in a building with seventeenth‑century origins, the museum is undergoing a reinstallation led by architect and director Alessandra Quarto to restore the historic character of its interiors while keeping the collection accessible to modern visitors.

Key interventions and a filological approach

• Documentary research: using archival images and records to guide display and restoration decisions.
• Frame recovery: sourcing period frames closely matching the originals to recreate the intended presentation of works.
• Lighting redesign: enhancing scenographic lighting in the main staircase and introducing floor lamps where wall lighting is impractical.
• Furniture restoration: philological treatment of furnishings, fittings and architectural details to reinstate the house‑museum ambiance.
• New displays: a phased reinstallation that has so far involved nine rooms and accommodates recent acquisitions.

Concrete examples

Actions included acquiring antique frames of the same period and style as the originals, re‑illuminating the main staircase to recover its theatrical composition, and introducing practical lighting solutions in the Studiolo to highlight gilded ceilings and frescoes. Color choices and conservation work were balanced to respect historical continuity and enhance visitor perception.

What visitors will notice

• Entry via an internal courtyard that acts as a welcoming antechamber.
• A more narrative visit: rooms interpreted as period spaces without fabricating a false historic reconstruction.
• Programs for families and the local community to increase accessibility and social engagement.

Next steps

The project includes the forthcoming reinstallation of the Salone Dorato, the representational hall housing Renaissance masterpieces. The museum plans visible restoration work so visitors can both view the icons and follow conservation processes.

Why this matters

The initiative merges historical accuracy and contemporary readability: restoring the house‑museum identity enhances the collection’s coherence, highlights architectural details and reaffirms the museum’s cultural role in the heart of the city.