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Places of interest #20 in Milan

Villa Necchi Campiglio

4.7 · 6,841 reviews
Refined and preserved elegance
Villa Necchi Campiglio, Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Interesting facts
1

Piero Portaluppi designed the villa with a 'monumental but domestic' aesthetic, emphasizing the use of high-quality materials like walnut, ebony, and marble.

2

The villa was used as a filming location for the 2009 movie 'I Am Love' starring Tilda Swinton.

3

The house included an advanced (for the era) heating system and heavy, metal-encased sliding doors for security.

4

The family's private garden was designed to transition seamlessly from the living spaces, reflecting the 1930s trend of connecting indoor and outdoor living areas.

5

The garage was engineered to accommodate the family's fleet of cars with a design that allowed for easy maneuvering within the small urban plot.

6

During the Second World War, the villa was requisitioned by the Republican Fascist Party, though the family retained their private rooms.

7

The collection inside includes works from the De' Micheli and Gian Ferrari donations, featuring significant 20th-century Italian art.

Overview

Villa Necchi Campiglio is a landmark example of 1930s Rationalist architecture designed by Piero Portaluppi for the prominent Necchi-Campiglio industrialist family. Situated in the heart of Milan, the residence retains its original period interiors, furniture, and extensive decorative art collection. The structure features a unique L-shaped design, incorporating innovative 1930s technology such as sliding armored doors and an internal telephone system. The property is managed by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) and preserves the aesthetic of the Lombard upper-middle class between the world wars. Visitors can view the private living quarters, the basement service areas, and the extensive private gardens. The garden houses a rare 1930s private outdoor swimming pool, which was one of the first of its kind in a private Milanese residence. The interior rooms are preserved to reflect the lifestyle of the family, including works by Tiepolo, Canaletto, and Sironi.

Photo spot

The edge of the swimming pool looking back toward the villa's geometric facade.

Insider tips

Book your entry slot online well in advance, as capacity is limited for the guided interior tours.

Spend time in the garden cafe, which is known for being a quiet, shaded retreat from the urban heat.

Check the FAI website for temporary exhibition updates, as the gallery spaces frequently host rotating historical collections.

What to avoid

Do not show up without a reservation during peak tourist seasons or weekends, as the villa strictly limits visitor numbers.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Photography without flash is generally permitted for personal use, but do not touch the furniture or artifacts.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in spring or autumn to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy the garden in pleasant weather.
Address
Villa Necchi Campiglio, Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
45.468, 9.202
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits1930s interior design, Sironi and Tiepolo artworks, and original period furniture

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in spring or autumn to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy the garden in pleasant weather..

The edge of the swimming pool looking back toward the villa's geometric facade.

Close by you'll find Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Teatro alla Scala.