GASC – Galleria d'Arte Sacra dei Contemporanei

About the museum

The Galleria d'Arte Sacra dei Contemporanei, known as GASC, was founded on 7 December 1955 thanks to Dandolo Bellini, a close collaborator of the Casa di Redenzione Sociale, who donated his collection of contemporary art devoted exclusively to sacred subjects. It was the first example of its kind and grew considerably in the 1950s and 1960s.

The collection is housed in the 18th-century rooms of Villa Clerici, which soon became a meeting place for Milanese artists. Like a salon, they discussed and experimented with new themes and iconography, and left small decorations in the rooms. The venture reopened the dialogue between the Catholic Church and contemporary art, also thanks to the frequent visits of the then Archbishop of Milan, Giovanni Battista Montini, later Pope Paul VI.

Today the collection presents works by Italian artists of the 20th century and later: paintings by Felice Carena, Aldo Carpi, Trento Longaretti and Alberto Sughi, sculptures by Floriano Bodini, Pericle Fazzini, Francesco Messina and others, as well as mosaics, stained glass, enamels, drawings and prints. Many works were donated by the artists themselves.

The gallery also organises educational workshops and creative activities for schools, families and catechesis courses, as well as temporary exhibitions, lectures and music series.

Highlights

• Collection of 20th-century and contemporary sacred art, founded in 1955
• Paintings by Felice Carena, Aldo Carpi, Trento Longaretti and Alberto Sughi
• Sculptures by Floriano Bodini, Pericle Fazzini, Francesco Messina and Lello Scorzelli
• Mosaics, stained glass, enamels, drawings and prints
• 18th-century rooms of Villa Clerici with small decorations left by the artists

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione permanente della GASC – Sacred works by Italian 20th-century and contemporary artists – paintings, sculptures, mosaics, stained glass, enamels and prints – displayed in the 18th-century rooms of Villa Clerici.

Founded

1955

Operated by

Casa di Redenzione Sociale Onlus

Visitors per year

approx. 520

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free for ICOM members, AMEI members, journalists, licensed tour guides, teachers with documentation and holders of the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia. Payment at the museum is by cash only.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibition spaces are accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments by means of a platform lift; the collection can be visited independently with pushchairs. Accessible to blind visitors and their guide dogs. Information at +39 02 647 0066 ext. 2.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

The gallery offers educational workshops and creative activities for schools and families; the collection can be visited with pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

Telephone information at +39 02 647 0066 ext. 2.

Amenities & dining

Food and drink may not be brought into the exhibition rooms.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit