Biblioteca del Daverio
Library and exhibition space of Philippe Daverio in the former refectory of Sant’Agostino Bianco in Milan, open only on guided tours.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Biblioteca del Daverio occupies the former refectory of the nuns of the Sant’Agostino Bianco monastery, in the Palazzo Ravizza in Piazza Bertarelli, in the centre of Milan. After the suppressions of the 18th century the building was converted into housing. The refectory had held a fresco by Donato Montorfano, dating shortly after the Cenacolo (Last Supper) at Santa Maria delle Grazie, which was detached and sold on the art market in the early 20th century. What remains is the restored sinopia (preparatory drawing) and an intact angel.
After serving as a stable in the Napoleonic period, a neighbourhood nursery school and a costume-jewellery factory, the refectory has been restored. Part of the library of the art critic and television presenter Philippe Daverio is kept in the service rooms, while the great hall hosts exhibitions and cultural events. The most characteristic works from his art collection are displayed beneath the vaults.
The space has been open to the public since 6 March 2022 with the project “Universo Daverio”. It is visited on guided tours by booking, led by Elena Gregori, Daverio’s wife. Paintings, books, sculptures, photographs, portraits and newspaper cuttings are arranged according to the collector’s taste, not in a display designed for visitors.
Highlights
- Part of Philippe Daverio’s library and art collection
- Sinopia of Donato Montorfano’s fresco in the refectory
- Guided tour led by Daverio’s wife
- Palazzo Ravizza, former monastery of Sant’Agostino Bianco
Permanent exhibition
- La biblioteca e la collezione di Philippe Daverio – Books, paintings, sculptures, photographs and objects of the art critic, displayed in the former refectory according to the collector’s taste.
- Founded
- 2022
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The library can only be visited on a booked guided tour led by Elena Gregori; at the opening, visits were reserved for groups of at least 10 people. |
