Have you ever seen a building that dared to challenge convention? Right here before you stands Palazzo Castiglioni a masterpiece of Art Nouveau in Milan. Its story begins with Ermengildo Castiglioni a wealthy entrepreneur who desired a palace unlike any other. He chose architect Giuseppe Sommaruga known for his unconventional designs. Sommaruga’s vision for Palazzo Castiglioni was audacious a bold statement of Art Nouveau in the heart of Milan’s historic center. The building was intended as a defiant act against Milan’s conservative elite.
Palazzo Castiglioni’s construction took place between 1901 and 1903. The basement’s rusticated blocks imitate a natural rocky shape. The rest of the decoration is inspired by 18th-century stuccos. Its most provocative feature initially was a pair of nude female statues by Ernesto Bazzaro. These statues representing Peace and Industry caused a scandal. The Milanese population nicknamed the palace “Cà di ciapp” meaning “house of buttocks”. The statues were eventually removed to another Milanese palace also designed by Sommaruga Villa Romeo Faccanoni.
The building’s interior was sadly destroyed by the US Army during its occupation in 1945-46. The soldiers used the furniture for heating. Only decorations facades ironwork and lamps were saved. Palazzo Castiglioni was placed under the protection of the Beaux Arts on March 5 1957. The Castiglioni family sold the building in 1967 to the Union of Commerce due to high maintenance costs and a tax for subway construction. Architect Eugenio Gerli and engineer Giorgio Keffer transformed it into an office building. They preserved the entrance staircase some rooms and the facades.
The Art Nouveau expert Rossana Bossaglia fought to preserve the palace as a museum. The superintendent approved the conversion project though because the Traders’ Union threatened to let the building deteriorate. The Palazzo Castiglioni now serves as the seat of the Unione Commercianti di Milano. It stands as a testament to a bold vision a time of controversy and a remarkable survival story. Its facade still whispers tales of its rebellious past. Even today Palazzo Castiglioni holds its place as a pivotal piece of Milanese architecture and a significant symbol of Art Nouveau. Enjoy this stunning building and its rich history.