Civica Raccolta Delle Stampe Achille Bertarelli

Introduction

The Civica Raccolta delle Stampe “Achille Bertarelli,” nestled within Milan’s historic Castello Sforzesco, stands as one of the world’s most significant collections of prints and graphic arts. Spanning over five centuries and encompassing more than a million works, the Bertarelli Collection offers visitors a remarkable journey through the history of printmaking, advertising, urban life, and visual culture in Italy and across Europe. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, a researcher, or a first-time traveler to Milan, this guide presents all you need to know—visiting hours, ticket details, collection highlights, accessibility, and practical tips—to make the most of your visit (official museum site; MuseoCity; Artsupp).

Historical Background and Development

The Achille Bertarelli Legacy

Founded on the vision and generosity of Milanese collector Achille Bertarelli (1863–1938), the collection was officially established in 1927 after Bertarelli donated his extensive archive to the city. Beginning with his personal passion for prints in the late 19th century, Bertarelli’s aim was to create a public resource not only for art but also for the study of social history, visual culture, and everyday life (Wikipedia). At the time of its donation, the collection comprised around 300,000 pieces; it has since grown to over one million items, making it one of the largest print collections in the world (Artsupp).

Growth and Institutional Role

From its base within Castello Sforzesco, the Bertarelli Collection became a vital part of Milan’s civic museums network. Over the decades, it expanded through acquisitions, donations, and targeted purchases—documenting not only masterpieces by artists such as Mantegna, Dürer, Piranesi, Rembrandt, and Mucha, but also popular imagery, advertising, maps, and documentary ephemera. The collection is renowned for bridging fine art with the visual documentation of social, cultural, and economic life (official museum site; MuseoCity).

Scope, Organization, and Highlights of the Collection

Chronological Breadth and Diversity

The Bertarelli Collection encompasses works from the 15th century to contemporary times. Its holdings reveal the evolution of printmaking techniques, the history of graphic design, and the changing face of society through imagery. Among the treasures are woodcut proofs, engravings, lithographs, posters, postcards, advertising graphics, maps, and fashion plates (Artsupp; Graficheincomune).

Thematic Sections

• Artistic Prints: Featuring over 15,000 works by masters including Andrea Mantegna, Albrecht Dürer, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Rembrandt, the Tiepolos, Edvard Munch, and Giorgio Morandi.
• Popular and Historical Prints: Devotional images, festival scenes, satirical and folk prints, and visual records of customs and traditions.
• Advertising Graphics: Approximately 7,000 posters documenting the history of commercial art, featuring names like Marcello Dudovich, Leonetto Cappiello, Bruno Munari, Leopoldo Metlicovitz, and Alphonse Mucha.
• Fashion and Costume: Fashion plates and costume illustrations tracing the evolution of dress and social customs (Milanocastello).
• Urbanism and Topography: Maps, cityscapes, and plans chronicling urban development.
• Ephemera: Postcards, playing cards, menus, calendars, and other artifacts of daily life.
• Specialist Library: Over 25,000 volumes and 700 periodicals supporting graphic arts research (Milanocastello).

Notable Masterpieces

• Bernardo Prevedari’s 1481 Engraving: Based on a drawing by Bramante, with only two known copies worldwide (Artsupp).
• Posters by Dudovich and Mucha: Exemplifying the golden age of European poster art.
• Remondini Press Holdings: Rare 18th-century Italian popular prints.
• Department Store Catalogues: Visual documents of Milanese and Parisian retail history (Comune di Milano).

Visiting Information

Location and Access

• Address: Castello Sforzesco, Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan, Italy.
• Entrances: Main entrance at Porta Santo Spirito for the Salette della Grafica (Comune di Milano).
• Public Transport: Metro M1 (Cairoli), M2 (Cadorna), as well as several tram and bus lines.

Visiting Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Closed: Mondays and select public holidays

Tickets and Admission

• General Admission: €10 (includes access to all Castello Sforzesco museums)
• Reduced Admission: €5 for EU citizens aged 18–25
• Free Admission: Children under 18, Milan residents, and on the first Sunday of each month
• Temporary Exhibitions: Some may be free; others require a ticket—always check the official website for details.
• Appointments: Visits to the Bertarelli study room or behind-the-scenes require advance booking due to preservation needs.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair Access: Fully accessible via elevators and ramps; accessible restrooms available.
• Support: Assistance available upon request; notify staff in advance for special needs.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

• Guided Tours: Offered in Italian and English by reservation; focus on highlights or special exhibitions.
• Workshops and Events: Regular lectures and workshops are scheduled—see the events calendar (Comune di Milano).

Visitor Services and Facilities

• Information Desks: Multilingual support at main entrances.
• Cloakroom: Available near the main entrance.
• Bookshop: Exhibition catalogues, art books, and souvenirs available.
• Cafés: Several options within the castle and nearby.
• Seating: Benches provided in exhibition areas.
• Audio Guides: Available for main museums; printed guides for exhibitions.

Exhibition Spaces

The Bertarelli Collection is displayed in the Salette della Grafica, designed with advanced lighting and climate control to protect sensitive works. Exhibitions rotate to preserve fragile materials.

Exhibition Highlights and Current Events

Major Current Exhibition: “Alberto Martini. La danza macabra” (2024–2025)

• Dates: October 2, 2024 – January 19, 2025
• Location: Salette della Grafica (Comune di Milano)
• Highlights: Commemorates Martini’s 70th anniversary; features “L’Albo della morte,” WWI postcards, and more.
• Catalogue: Available at the bookshop.

Recent Past Exhibitions

• “Piero Guccione” (2022)
• “Paper Games and Playing Cards. The Crippa Collection” (2022)
• “Souvenir d’Italia” (2023)
• “…per gitar diverse linee” (2024)

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
• Photography: Generally not permitted in exhibition rooms.
• Group Visits: Book in advance for guided tours.
• Nearby Attractions: Parco Sempione, Pinacoteca di Brera, Duomo di Milano, La Scala Opera House.
• Dining: Plenty of cafés and restaurants in and around Piazza Castello.

Research and Educational Value

The Bertarelli Collection is a key resource for researchers worldwide, supporting interdisciplinary study in history, art, design, and urban studies. Ongoing digitization efforts make many works accessible online (Graficheincomune).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How do I book tickets or guided tours?
A: Tickets can be purchased onsite or online via the official Castello Sforzesco website. Guided tours require advance booking.

Q: Is the collection accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Can I take photos inside the exhibitions?
A: Photography is generally not permitted inside exhibition rooms.

Q: Are there special exhibitions or events?
A: Yes, check the official website for up-to-date schedules.