Step into the captivating world of the Museo d’arte e scienza in Milan. A stone’s throw from the Castello Sforzesco this unique museum resides within the elegant nineteenth-century Palazzo Bonacossa.
Founded in 1990 by Gottfried Matthaes the Museo d’arte e scienza stands alone as the world’s only educational museum dedicated to detecting fake antiques. Matthaes a physicist from Dresden had a family history deeply rooted in art. His family’s renowned painting school which operated in Dresden and later Berlin even contributed to the decoration of rooms in the famous Pergamon Museum. This background fueled his lifelong passion for art and authenticity.
The Museo d’arte e scienza boasts impressive collections of Buddhist and African art. These collections aren’t merely displays but rather tools for education. The Buddhist art collection notably includes one of the finest Italian collections from the Indochinese area. The African art section displays statues thrones fabrics drums and masks. Each piece tells a story of cultural significance and artistic expression.
The museum’s true heart however lies in its interactive path on authenticity in art and antiques. Every room delves into a specific material. From paintings on canvas and wood to excavated ceramics and ancient books each object reveals secrets of identification. Visitors can use microscopes magnifying glasses and special lamps to conduct practical tests.
The Museo d’arte e scienza is more than just a museum. It’s a scientific laboratory too. The museum’s scientific laboratory which is available for visits has been perfecting scientific methods and developing new ones to ascertain authenticity in art and antiques for over two decades. In fact in 1992 Matthaes patented an innovative system for dating wooden objects using infrared spectroscopy.
Two rooms are dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci one exploring his Milanese years and the other focusing on his Treatise on Painting. These exhibitions showcase the genius’s techniques and secrets making the complex world of art more accessible.
The Museo d’arte e scienza is a place where art and science intertwine. It is a testament to Matthaes’s vision. It’s more than just a collection of artifacts. It is a dynamic educational institution where you can explore the artistry of the past and uncover the science of its preservation. It’s a journey into the fascinating world of authenticity in art. A place that stimulates your curiosity and engages your senses. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Milan.