Over a million prints. Can you imagine that? Welcome to the Civica raccolta delle stampe Achille Bertarelli. This incredible collection housed within the Castello Sforzesco is a treasure trove of history.
Achille Bertarelli a Milanese man with a passion for prints gifted his vast collection to the city in 1925. It was already enormous boasting around 300000 pieces. His generosity laid the foundation for this amazing museum. The collection didn’t stop growing. Donations and acquisitions swelled its ranks. Today it houses over a million works.
Think of it. A million prints. From fifteenth-century woodcuts to contemporary graphics. It’s a journey through time a visual feast. But it’s not just fine art. Bertarelli’s vision was broader. He collected everything.
You’ll find everyday items transformed into historical documents. Think religious and popular art. Festive scenes almanacs and calendars. Even games postcards menus invitations business cards and devotional images. There are city plans geographical maps and fashion statements. Tiny details like soldiers toys fans bookmarks and bookplates. And of course a huge collection of advertising posters.
It’s a microcosm of life a visual encyclopedia of history and culture. Bertarelli wasn’t interested only in masterpieces. He understood the power of everyday objects to tell stories. He sought to create a record of human experience in all its forms.
The collection is meticulously organized. There are sections dedicated to specific iconography. You’ll find portraits scenes of historical events city views maps costumes and so much more. Other sections are organized by artist era style and even intended use. It’s a testament to meticulous curation and the value of even the smallest prints.
The Bertarelli collection isn’t just a museum. It’s a living archive. It’s a resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. It’s a journey through the history of human creativity. A million prints. A million stories. A million reasons to visit. So take your time. Explore. Discover. Let the prints speak.