Frame in transformation: the Villa Reale in Monza between historical mansion and exhibition space

In 1927, the second Bienniale of Arti decorative ignited a critical debate: could one really imagine that innovation would find a place in a context so strongly marked by history? Too often, in fact, the drive for the new had led to sacrificing the original identity of environments, altering their spatiality and erasing their decorative elements. Almost a century later, the eleventh volume in the series Anelli, edited by the Lombardy Royal Residences Documentation Center, brings attention back to this crucial juncture. An operation made possible also thanks to the photographic material kept in the Triennale Milano Archives, which documents the interventions on the historic interiors of the Villa Reale in Monza: precious testimonies that help to read the choices made then in a new light. Choices that, over time, proved to be significant as much for the enhancement of decorative arts as for the rediscovery of a mansion that hosted three of the most important European dynasties.

Introducers Marina Rosa, Centro documentazione Residenze Reali lombarde (CdRR) Arianna Bettin, Councillor for Culture, City of Monza Bartolomeo Corsini, Consorzio Villa Reale e Parco di Monza Speakers Andrea Cancellato, ADI Design Museum-Compasso d'Oro Valerio Terraroli, University of Verona Elvia Redaelli, Triennale Milano Debora Lo Conte, CdRR, Centro documentazione Residenze Reali lombarde Coordinator Giovanna D'Amia, CdRR, Lombardy Royal Residences Documentation Center