Museo Martinitt e Stelline

In 1528, a remarkable chapter began in Milan’s history. Duke Francesco II Sforza entrusted the Oratory of Saint Martin to Gerolamo Emiliani. This marked the birth of the Martinitt orphanage, a sanctuary for Milan’s orphaned boys. Museo Martinitt e Stelline, right here on Corso Magenta, now stands as a testament to this legacy. It shares the intertwined stories of the Martinitt and the Stelline, the girls’ orphanage established later. The Museo Martinitt e Stelline isn’t just a museum. It’s a time capsule, holding within its walls the echoes of countless young lives. The Martinitt boys, named after their patron saint, found refuge and education within these walls. Their counterparts, the Stelline girls, had their own haven in the Stelline Palace, just next door. The museum’s collection breathes life into their stories. Photos capture glimpses of their daily routines, from classroom lessons to playtime. Documents record their names, their backgrounds, their small triumphs. Even the everyday objects they used – toys, clothes, schoolbooks – speak volumes about their experiences. The Museo Martinitt e Stelline doesn’t shy away from the challenges these children faced. It acknowledges the hardships they endured, the resilience they displayed. But it also celebrates the spirit of charity and community that sustained the orphanages for centuries. The Martinitt boys, in particular, carved a unique place for themselves in Milanese history. During the Five Days of Milan in 1848, these young orphans became unlikely heroes. They braved the chaos, serving as couriers between the barricades, playing a vital role in the city’s fight for freedom. The legacy of the Martinitt extends beyond their childhood within the orphanage walls. Some Martinitt alumni rose to become prominent figures. Angelo Rizzoli, the publishing magnate, and Edoardo Bianchi, the bicycle manufacturer, both began their lives as Martinitt orphans. Their success stories are a testament to the transformative power of the institution that nurtured them. Today, the Museo Martinitt e Stelline invites you to step back in time. Explore their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. Discover how these two orphanages shaped the fabric of Milanese society.