At Villa Reale: uniforms that marked the history of the Kingdom of Italy

History of the Kingdom of Italy: from Napoleon to Umberto II

From 17 April to 20 September 2026 the Belvedere at Villa Reale presents an exhibition gathering uniforms, paintings, busts, documents and personal objects that document the historical arc from the Napoleonic period to the 1946 referendum.

The display, assembled by a dedicated private collector in collaboration with the Sabauda Collection, aims to combine scholarly accuracy with public accessibility, addressing enthusiasts, families, schools and researchers.

Highlights

• Original uniforms, including those of the royal carabinieri;
• memorabilia linked to Italy’s first queen and portraits of the House of Savoy;
• busts and sculptures, including a representation of Napoleon;
• decorations, handwritten documents and personal items of historical figures.

The exhibition layout follows the main phases of Italian history: the Napoleonic age, the Restoration, the Risorgimento, the Kingdom of Italy and the transition to the Republic. A special section focuses on Queen Margherita on the centenary of her death and the historical ties between the royal family and Villa Reale, gifted as a wedding present in 1868.

Curators and production

The show is curated by the collector-historian who assembled the collection, with executive direction and collaboration from museum partners and private collections to ensure scientific quality and a coherent narrative.

Practical information

• Dates: 17/04/2026 - 20/09/2026;
• Venue: Belvedere, Villa Reale di Monza;
• Indicative ticketing: from €12, reduced €10 (ages 14-26 and concessions linked to same-day Villa Reale ticket, FAI members and Musei Lombardia subscribers); school groups €6; groups €8 (minimum 10 people).

For exact opening hours, reservations and the latest information, check the official channels of Villa Reale or contact the box office. The exhibition aims to make a pivotal period of Italian history tangible through objects that actively participated in past events.