Ambrosiana
The History of Italy – Ancient Rome illustrated by Lodovico Pogliaghi
02/07/2025-28/10/2025
Exhibition
Lodovico Pogliaghi (1857-1950) was one of the most significant Lombard artists to live in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A personal friend of Pius XI (Achille Ratti), when he was the prefect of the Ambrosiana, with a deed of 7 April 1937 he donated to the Holy See his museum-home at the Sacro Monte of Varese.
Pius XI, in agreement with Pogliaghi, decided on 27 May to transfer the donation to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana. In this way, the Ambrosiana acquired a truly unique treasure chest of art and culture. Lodovico Pogliaghi had transformed his home at the Sacro Monte into a true studio-museum, in which he had amassed an important collection of artworks that ranged from precious Egyptian archaeological finds and Greek and Roman artefacts to works from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque period. This collection, formed as a function of Pogliaghi's own work as an artist, still preserves many sketches, preparatory works in plaster, drawings and projects. An example is the striking life-size plaster model he made for the central door of Milan Cathedral, inaugurated in 1906.
Via Beata Giuliana 5
(entrance from via del Santuario)
Santa Maria del Monte
Varese
FOR UPDATED INFO AND OPENING HOURS PLEASE GO TO
www.casamuseopogliaghi.it
CONTACTS
Tel. +39 3288377206
[email protected]
In May 2014, the Casa Museo Lodovico Pogliaghi was opened to the public thanks to the financial support of the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana, the Lombardy Region and the Varese Community Foundation.
The museum-home can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., from 15 March to 15 November inclusive.
Via Beata Giuliana 5
(entrance from via del Santuario)
Santa Maria del Monte
Varese
FOR UPDATED INFO AND OPENING HOURS PLEASE GO TO
www.casamuseopogliaghi.it
CONTACTS
Tel. +39 3288377206
[email protected]
