Studio Museo Francesco Messina

About the museum

The Studio Museo Francesco Messina is housed in the deconsecrated church of San Sisto al Carrobbio, in the heart of Roman Milan, on a side street of Via Torino. According to tradition the building was founded at the end of the 9th century; its present appearance, with a two-tier façade and a single nave with side chapels, dates from a restoration in the early 17th century. A bombing raid in 1943 destroyed the apse, which has since been replaced by a large window.

In 1969 the Municipality of Milan granted the church on loan to the sculptor Francesco Messina, who was about to retire from the Accademia di Brera. Messina had it restored at his own expense, saving it from demolition, and made it his studio-museum.

In 1974 the artist donated a first group of his sculptures so that they could be shown permanently; thirty-three further sculptures and twenty-six graphic works arrived in 1987, three works owned by the city were deposited in 1993, and in 2014 a wax portrait of Felicita Frai was added.

The museum holds portraits, bronze female figures, small dancers, horses, boxers and models for the Monument to Pius XII in San Pietro. Today it combines the role of a museum with that of an open workshop for dialogue with young artists and students. The museum is currently closed for restoration work.

Highlights

• Sculptures by Francesco Messina displayed in the former church of San Sisto al Carrobbio
• Portraits of Piero Marussig and Salvatore Quasimodo
• Large bronze female figures: Eva, Grande nudo and Grande torso femminile
• Ten small horses from 1958 and small bronze dancers
• Models for the Monument to Pius XII in San Pietro

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione permanente di Francesco Messina – Selection of Messina sculptures donated to the City of Milan since 1974: portraits, bronze female figures, horses, dancers and models. Currently not open to visitors due to restoration.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Comune di Milano

Visitors per year

approx. 15,567

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. Groups of 6 or more must book through the Vivaticket system (maximum 20 people per hour).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Entry involves a few steps. Inside, a small lift serves the floors, but the cabin is too small for a wheelchair. Thanks to the “Museo per tutti” project, a guide in easy-to-read language is available in the museum and as a PDF.

Kids & families

The museum is closed for restoration work.

Getting there & parking

The museum is closed for restoration work.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Large backpacks, suitcases and umbrellas must be left at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

The museum is closed for restoration work.

Plan your visit