Lombardy: 9 House Museums Open for the International House of Memory

Lombardy: nine house museums open for the International Days of Houses of Memory (18–19 April 2026)

On 18 and 19 April 2026 Lombardy takes part in the second edition of the International Days of Houses of Memory, a global event that brings together hundreds of house museums dedicated to the lives of notable figures. Nine Lombard sites will open to the public, offering guided tours, temporary exhibitions and conferences across historic homes, artists' studios and curated collections.

Booking and practical information: some visits require advance booking. Registrations are open until 15 April on the initiative's official booking portal; always check times and booking rules directly with each museum.

Participating sites in Lombardy — highlights

• Atelier Vincenzo Balena — Milan

  Guided introductions to the artist's studio in Crescenzago, with the sculptor present. Open on Sunday 19 April with morning and afternoon sessions; access by reservation.

• Villa Bernasconi — Cernobbio (Como)

  Historic villa open across both days with reduced admission; guided routes recount its architecture and local history.

• Casa del Mantegna — Mantua

  House and workshop of Andrea Mantegna, open with free admission and hosting the exhibition “Incombenza della pittura” (works from the Bugatti-Segantini prize). Extended opening hours during the event.

• Collezione Paolo VI — Concesio (Brescia)

  20th-century art collection. On Saturday 18 April a conference titled "The Saint and the Sculptor" presents a book on the relationship between Pope Paul VI and sculptor Floriano Bodini; free entry.

• Casa Museo di Ugo Da Como — Lonato del Garda (Brescia)

  19th–20th century residence with over 20 furnished rooms and a large library. Special guided tours by the curators, reduced ticket price and mandatory booking.

• Fondazione Mario Coppetti — Cremona

  Open with free admission and features focused presentations on the foundation's collections and local cultural heritage.

• Museo Diotti — Casalmaggiore (Cremona)

  Guided visit by the director dedicated to Giuseppe Diotti’s house and works (reservation suggested) scheduled for Saturday 18 April.

• Museo Ponchielliano — Paderno Ponchielli (Cremona)

  Open on Sunday 19 April with visits centered on the composer Ponchielli and the museum's permanent displays.

• Villa Monastero — Varenna (Lecco)

  Visits and in-depth sessions including material on mountaineers Marco and Rosa De Marchi; activities planned for both days.

Networking and aims: the event is organised by a national network of houses of memory with institutional support. Its purpose is to promote cultural memory and to create opportunities for intercultural exchange through accessible museum experiences.

Visitor tips: check up-to-date opening hours on the museum pages, book early when required, and plan transport—public and regional connections can vary between urban and lakeside locations.