“Medicine or Industry?” Above the entrance to Casa Casati Magni, stone figures pose this silent question. This building whispers tales of Milan’s ambitions. It shows the city’s embrace of progress during the late 19th century.
Casa Casati Magni stands on Via Dante. This street links Piazza del Cordusio to the Castello Sforzesco. The house was completed in 1891. Architect Antonio Tagliaferri designed it with engineers Giovanni Battista Casati and Giulio Magni. Cassa Sovvenzioni commissioned the building. It became part of the urban renewal after Via Dante opened in 1888.
The city held a contest to encourage beautiful buildings along the new street. Casa Casati Magni won third prize in 1892. It received 10,000 lire for its design. The building blends eclecticism with Neo-Renaissance elements. The lower levels are built from stone. The main portal features a round arch. Above the arch are sculptures of a man and a woman. They represent Medicine and Industry. Above them the main floor balcony is supported by corbels.
Look closely at the entrance. Notice the slight trick of perspective. The entrance seems deeper than it is. The main floor windows have triangular and curved pediments. The upper floors feature simpler windows. They are inspired by Renaissance architecture. Originally, the building had graffito decorations. Unfortunately, these faded over time. They were removed before the war. Recent renovations did not restore them.
In 2016, Hines bought the building for 55 million euros. They renovated it completely. The main entrance was moved to the side. The courtyard became commercial space. Also, during the renovation, an extra floor was added. It was styled to match the original design. Today, Casa Casati Magni combines residential and commercial spaces. It is a testament to Milan’s architectural evolution. It reminds us of the city’s commitment to beauty and innovation. Casa Casati Magni invites us to reflect on Milan’s past and present.