Museo della Ceramica Giuseppe Gianetti

About the museum

The museum was born from two donations: the collection of 18th-century ceramics of the family of Giuseppe Gianetti, and the Villa Biffi, which belonged to the sisters of Nina Biffi, the collector’s wife. It opened in 1994 and is run by the Fondazione Centro Orientamento Educativo (COE), which supports it with intensive research, cataloguing, restoration and educational activity.

The venue is a villa built in 1940 which retains almost intact floors, parquet, marble, staircases, joinery, furnishings, Murano chandeliers and even the original bathrooms; the banister of the staircase leading to the second floor was designed by Carla Biffi. The villa is surrounded by a garden with a small rose garden and contemporary art installations.

Giuseppe Gianetti began collecting paintings, sculptures and furniture in 1913 and from 1933 devoted himself mainly to ceramics. His collection includes about 200 Meissen porcelain pieces from the 1720s to the early 19th century, Italian, European and Oriental porcelain, and about 230 18th-century Milanese maiolica pieces. The collection has been enlarged with 24 tableware items donated by Aldo Marcenaro and with a collection of contemporary ceramics by Italian artists and by artists from Cameroon, where the COE is active.

Highlights

• About 200 Meissen porcelain pieces from the 18th century and the early 19th century
• Italian (Vezzi, Ginori, Capodimonte), European and Oriental porcelain
• About 230 18th-century Milanese maiolica pieces
• Aldo Marcenaro collection and a section of contemporary ceramics
• 1940 villa with original furnishings and a garden with art installations

Permanent exhibitions

• Collezione Giuseppe Gianetti – Meissen porcelain, Italian, European and Oriental porcelain and 18th-century Milanese maiolica.
• Collezione Aldo Marcenaro e ceramica contemporanea – 24 tableware items donated by Aldo Marcenaro and works by contemporary ceramicists from Italy and Cameroon.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Fondazione Centro Orientamento Educativo (COE)

Visitors per year

approx. 1,627

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for ICOM members and for holders of the Card Musei Lombardia.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

A video guide in Italian Sign Language (LIS) on a tablet is available by reservation; for children and young people with cognitive difficulties or autism there are small printed guides and a simplified guide on tablet.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Creative and playful workshops for families, the children’s guide “Guida con GiGi” (from age 5), a drawing kit at the ticket office and birthday parties at the museum from Tuesday to Saturday, 16:00–19:00.

Getting there & parking

By car: A9 Autostrada dei Laghi, Saronno exit, then follow the signs to the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The bookshop sells the museum’s catalogues and publications; there is also a library.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit