Crafted in 1906, Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo rises before us. This historic Milan building stands in Piazza Niccolò Tommaseo. The Marcelline Sisters commissioned it. They were founded by the blessed Luigi Biraghi in 1838.
Imagine the year 1906. Picture the first 200 students entering Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo. These young women from Milan’s bourgeoisie came to learn. The institute offered nursery school plus elementary and supplementary education. Courses included drawing, painting, and languages. There was even ceramics. Music lessons featured piano, violin, and singing.
Cecilio Arpesani designed Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo. He was a renowned architect from Piedmont. His style was a mix of eclecticism and Renaissance revival. Arpesani was busy in Milan at that time. Wealthy families commissioned him for many projects. He designed private buildings near Via Ariosto and Via Carducci.
Arpesani chose an eclectic Renaissance style for Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo. The building has an L-shape. It surrounds an irregular courtyard. It rises four stories above ground. A chapel forms an extension.
The initial structure saw two expansions. Spirito Maria Chiappetta made additions before 1917. Giuseppe Calori added to it in 1922. Both architects were known for their eclectic Renaissance style. This style became popular after Italy’s unification. Paolo Mezzanotte further expanded Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo in 1950. He often worked in this area of Milan.
Look at the building’s exterior. Notice the stone base. Red bricks cover the raised ground floor. Stone ornaments decorate the facade. Windows appear in single and double designs. The chapel windows feature Tudor arches with terracotta details.
Consider the structural elements. Some parts of Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo use brick and wood. Other sections feature reinforced concrete. The roof combines brick and cement.
Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo continues its educational mission today. It welcomes students from nursery school through high school. The building has many facilities. These include a theater, gym, science labs and computer lab. Also a chapel and courtyard enrich the school.
Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo stands as a testament to Milan’s architectural evolution. It reflects changing educational needs. The building embodies a blend of styles and eras. It started in 1906 and developed over the years. It remains a vital part of Milan’s cultural heritage. The Palazzo dell’Istituto Marcelline Tommaseo has shaped generations.