GAM - Villa Reale of Milano

GAM, Gallery of Modern Art of Milan, is a prestigious cultural institution located in the heart of the city. Founded in 1921, GAM stands out for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, spanning from the 19th century to the present day. With a rich variety of paintings, sculptures, installations, and works on paper, the gallery offers visitors a fascinating journey through the most significant artistic currents of past centuries and current trends. In addition to its permanent collection, GAM regularly hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to emerging artists and prominent figures in the international art scene, thus offering a constantly new and stimulating cultural experience. The structure itself, an elegant neoclassical building located in Parco Sempione, represents a noteworthy architectural attraction and provides a picturesque setting for the enjoyment of art. With its commitment to promoting contemporary art and preserving artistic heritage, GAM confirms itself as one of the main points of reference for art lovers in Milan and in the Italian cultural landscape.

Milan’s Villa Reale, known as Villa Belgioioso in which the Gallery of Modern Art has been housed since 1921, is one of Milan’s masterpieces of Neoclassicism. Built between 1790 and 1796 as the residence of Count Belgiojoso, it was designed with elegance and functionality by the Austrian architect Leopoldo Pollack.
In 1804 the Villa passed into the hands of the French government as the Milanese residence of Napoleon and becoming a sumptuous setting for luncheons and ball parties and also taking the name, Villa Bonaparte. Following the Unification of Italy it was assigned to the Crown of Italy and entered a long period of neglect.
It was only when it was transferred to the municipal state property in 1920 that the transformation of the building was begun, destined to house the modern art collections that can be admired today. Following the bombing that destroyed the PAC in 1993, the Villa underwent a lengthy restoration that ended in 2006.
Villa Reale is now a luxurious setting for an exhibition itinerary reimagined from scratch, a place of history and culture that we strongly recommend visiting.

After the temporary loan to the Museo del Novecento, from 7 July 2022 the Quarto Stato by Pellizza da Volpedo has returned to the GAM and is on display in the visit itinerary.