Have you noticed the ceramic tiles? Casa Galimberti stands as one of Milan’s most striking examples of Art Nouveau. Its construction completed in 1905 marks a high point of artistic innovation in the city.
Casa Galimberti owes its existence to the Galimberti brothers. These urban developers commissioned architect Giovanni Battista Bossi for its design. Bossi’s vision brought forth a building where art triumphed over the ordinary.
Consider the facade’s ornamentation. Nearly 170 square meters are adorned with ceramics painted with fire. Bossi’s designs came to life through the Società Ceramica Lombarda. Pio Pinzauti crafted the ornamental details. Ferdinando Brambilla painted the figures.
Look closely at the first floor. Plump female figures gather flowers. They enjoy the atmosphere of an imaginary garden. Floral motifs dominate the upper floors.
The building replaced something quite different. Before Casa Galimberti, the Società Anonima degli Omnibus occupied this site. This company managed Milan’s horse-drawn tram system. The location served as the departure point for trams to Monza. In 1900, Edison won the contract for an electric tram system. The old SAO complex was demolished. It once housed 300 horses.
Casa Galimberti uses reinforced concrete in its foundations. This protects against ground dampness. The Gerenzana stream runs beneath the building.
Note the wrought iron decorations. Arcari e Bellomi created these elements. Their workshop stood on Corso Magenta.
The building faced challenges over time. Some original tiles have been lost. Replacements have sometimes been crude.
Casa Galimberti has undergone restoration to maintain its beauty. Refurbishments in the 1990s revived the colors of the tiles and floral motifs. In 2018, exterior walls received attention to preserve the facade.
Today, Casa Galimberti blends residential and commercial spaces. Shops occupy the ground floor. Apartments fill the upper floors. The building’s angular shape arises from its corner location. It stands at the intersection of Via Malpighi and Via Sirtori.
Casa Galimberti is more than a building. It is a cultural landmark. It reflects the optimism of the Belle Époque. Its Art Nouveau style embraces beauty and artistic expression. Take a moment to appreciate this triumph of design.