Villa Naj-Oleari

Hidden within Magenta lies a colorful tale. It’s the story of Villa Naj-Oleari. This villa wasn’t always a public space. It began in the early 1900s as a private residence. It was built for the Naj-Oleari family. They owned a textile factory nearby. The villa showcased the family’s prosperity and their appreciation for classic, neo-Renaissance design. Picture a stone structure, adorned with frescoes and surrounded by a sprawling park. This park still exists today. It holds some remarkable trees. Villa Naj-Oleari later became a gift to the community. The municipality of Magenta transformed it into the town library. The villa’s colorful past, however, is rooted in the family’s textile business. Riccardo Naj-Oleari established the “Manifatture Naj-Oleari” in 1916. It initially focused on sacred and priestly garments. The business evolved under the next generation. Carlo Naj-Oleari expanded into umbrellas, though initially in somber colors. The real transformation came with the third generation. Angelo, Riccardo, and Giancarlo, along with Angelo’s wife, Maurizia Dova, injected vibrant colors and patterns into their designs. This bold move didn’t initially resonate with existing clients. Undeterred, the family opened a shop in Milan’s Porta Ticinese district. This marked the beginning of Naj-Oleari’s iconic rise in the 1980s. Their colorful accessories and clothing became status symbols. Today, Villa Naj-Oleari stands as a testament to the family’s legacy. It represents a journey from private residence to community space, reflecting the evolution of a brand that brought color to the world.