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A journey through art in Milan
February 12, 2026
In modern Milan, constantly moving forward and reinventing itself, there still stands a small architectural gem from the 1930s: Villa Necchi Campiglio. Suspended in time, it tells the story of the elegance and charm of a bygone era in the vibrant heart of the city. Located in the Porta Monforte district and surrounded by a large private garden, the villa was built between 1932 and 1935 designed by the architect Piero Portaluppi.
Although the exterior is defined by simple, classical lines, the interior was enriched with features that were considered cutting-edge at the time: a separate concierge lodge, a private swimming pool, a service tunnel, an internal elevator and custom-made furnishings.
The entrance opens into a monumental living room showcasing masterpieces such as La famiglia del pastore painting by Mario Sironi and L’Amante morta statue by Arturo Martini. The ground-floor rooms (Library, Main Hall, Veranda, Smoking Room, Dining Room) feature furnishings and details attributed to Portaluppi, including diamond-patterned ceilings and the veranda with its integrated greenhouse.
In 1938, architect Tomaso Buzzi was commissioned to redesign some of the interiors, adding neoclassical elements, tapestries and aristocratic-style furnishings. On the upper floor are the bedrooms and bathrooms, embellished with colored marble and mirrors, as well as two guest apartments.
Donated in 2001 to FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano by Gigina Necchi Campiglio and Nedda Necchi, the villa also houses three important art collections: Claudia Gian Ferrari’s collection of early 20th-century artworks; the collection of paintings and decorative arts by Alighiero and Emilietta De’ Micheli; and Guido Sforni’s collection of works on paper from the first half of the 20th century, which includes drawings attributed to artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, and Lucio Fontana.
Today, Villa Necchi Campiglio remains open to the public, offering both Milanese residents and visitors the opportunity to discover its beauty. From Hotel VIU Milan, it is easily reachable via the green metro line from Garibaldi station and represents the perfect destination for a pleasant open-air stroll, especially with the arrival of spring.
