Civiche raccolte d'arte di palazzo Marliani-Cicogna

About the museum

The museum is housed in Palazzo Marliani Cicogna, a historic residence of the Marliani counts from the 17th century and of the Cicogna family from the late 18th century, owned by the Comune since 1820. Its rooms house the Civiche raccolte d’arte, while some equipped spaces host temporary exhibitions.

The Museo civico di storia dell’arte was formally established in 1960 on the basis of the work of a committee formed in 1959 to give shape to the idea of a town museum, intended to preserve works of art, including those of local interest, that had entered the municipal heritage. As early as 1931 a first nucleus of ten paintings by Emilio Magistretti had been assigned to the Comune, donated by the artist in 1927 to the Società Bustese di Storia e d’Arte. However, the lack of a suitable venue delayed the project for a long time: the collections were kept for a long period in the premises of Palazzo Gilardoni.

Only in 1990 did the museum open to the public in its current location. Over time, restorations have doubled the exhibition spaces and created storage areas, archive and library spaces and a sector for temporary exhibitions. The museum has promoted exhibitions devoted to artists from Busto such as Arturo Tosi and Daniele Crespi, and today it also hosts the contemporary art exhibition space “Uno Spazio per l’Arte”.

Highlights

• Paintings by Emilio Magistretti, the original core of the collections
• Works by artists linked to Busto Arsizio, including Arturo Tosi and Daniele Crespi
• Historic palace of the Marliani and Cicogna families
• Space for contemporary art “Uno Spazio per l’Arte”
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Civiche raccolte d'arte – Civic collection of paintings and works by local artists, starting from the Emilio Magistretti nucleus.

Founded

1960

Operated by

Comune di Busto Arsizio

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; the museum is also included in the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia/Valle d’Aosta.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the Abbonamento Musei list, the museum is accessible to people with mobility impairments, with a lift, dedicated toilets, reserved parking spaces and accessible public transport stops nearby; admission is free for people with disabilities and their companion.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Workshops and interactive tours for schools and families, with a playful and educational approach; free admission.

Getting there & parking

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