Here in Piazza del Duomo rises the Arengario. This complex consists of two symmetrical buildings. It is an early 20th-century masterpiece. The Arengario currently houses the Museo del Novecento. This museum is dedicated to 20th-century art.
The word “arengario” tells a tale of its past. It once served as a local government seat during the Fascist period. Imagine the echoes of political discourse within these walls.
Piero Portaluppi, Giovanni Muzio, Pier Giulio Magistretti, and Enrico Agostino Griffini designed the Arengario. Their vision was grand. They planned an arch connecting the two buildings. This arch would mirror the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II entrance.
Construction of the Arengario began in 1936. However, World War II caused significant delays. Bombings scarred the structure. The Arengario wasn’t completed until 1956.
Look closely at the eastern wing. You will notice the reliefs by Arturo Martini. These panels tell stories of Christianity, Milan, and Lombardy. See Constantine’s dream depicted. Observe Ambrose on horseback entering Milan. Note the Battle of Legnano’s chaos. The panels show four Sforza dukes of Milan. Finally, there is Carlo Borromeo ministering to plague victims.
The four main portals feature Giacomo Manzù’s decorations.
In the 2000s, the Arengario underwent restoration. Italo Rota and Fabio Fornasari transformed it. They adapted the space for the Museo del Novecento. The museum opened in 2010. It is renowned for its Futurist paintings.
During the restoration, a “media façade” was added. This large LED screen displays news and advertisements. It covers the façade of the left-hand building. The façade is made of Candoglio marble.
The Arengario stands as a testament to Milan’s history. It reflects the city’s artistic spirit. From its Fascist origins to its modern museum, the Arengario embodies transformation. Its walls hold stories of war, art, and political change. Take a moment to appreciate the Arengario. It is a symbol of Milan’s resilience. It is a beacon of culture.