Ivan Bruschi was an internationally famous antique collector from Arezzo whose last wish was to establish a foundation to spread the love of art, antiques and culture. His wish was granted and the Bruschi Foundation has since become a hugely important patron of culture in Arezzo. One of the greatest feats of the foundation was the establishment of the House-Museum of Ivan Bruschi which houses Bruschi's personal collection, set within the 13th-century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo located in the heart of Arezzo.
If you're planning on visiting the area why not find a villa with air-conditioning in Arezzo and drop by this unique museum?
The museum has a collection of artworks and objects from all over the world spanning a period from the prehistoric era to modern times. They are grouped based on topography, chronology and typology.
The archaeological collection is particularly rich and important due to the age of objects and range of periods represented.
The museum has a collection of artworks and objects from all over the world spanning a period from the prehistoric era to modern times. They are grouped based on topography, chronology and typology.
The archaeological collection is particularly rich and important due to the age of objects and range of periods represented.
Bruschi's eclectic tastes are apparent and the museum is all the richer for it, with pieces from Africa, Asia and Central America and all kinds of objects from sculptures to furniture, glass, tools, clothing and books.
Though the artworks in the collection are not numerous and rarely by names that most would be immediately familiar with, they do often represent large and important workshops. There is a terracotta bust of the “Redeemer” from the Della Robbia workshop and a canvas of a copy of a lost work by Guido Reni the “Escape into Egypt with an Angel”. It is only due to the existence of such works that we know what the painting even looked like.
There is also a collection of rare prints from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century.
The collection of clothing is similarly small but fascinating with examples of stunning Chinese kimonos in light blue and orange, liveries and male eighteenth century dress such a tailcoats. It is the treasury of jewellery and precious objects, however, that might impress visitors the most. All kinds of items of jewellery are represented; rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches. Pieces from the Middle Ages make up a large percentage and contemporary jewellery from the late 19th and early 20th centuries is particularly well documented. There are even ancient pieces such as a Roman gem cutter and Assyrian stone seals.
The museum is open for long days in the summer with an hour closure for lunch during winter and is only closed on Mondays. Entrance costs only five Euros with lots of discounted rates available. Set within his own home, this collection of Bruschi's belongings is not only fascinating in its own right but tells the story of the man in question. Spend a day wandering around in awe on your next trip to Arezzo.
Though the artworks in the collection are not numerous and rarely by names that most would be immediately familiar with, they do often represent large and important workshops. There is a terracotta bust of the “Redeemer” from the Della Robbia workshop and a canvas of a copy of a lost work by Guido Reni the “Escape into Egypt with an Angel”. It is only due to the existence of such works that we know what the painting even looked like.
There is also a collection of rare prints from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century.
The collection of clothing is similarly small but fascinating with examples of stunning Chinese kimonos in light blue and orange, liveries and male eighteenth century dress such a tailcoats. It is the treasury of jewellery and precious objects, however, that might impress visitors the most. All kinds of items of jewellery are represented; rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches. Pieces from the Middle Ages make up a large percentage and contemporary jewellery from the late 19th and early 20th centuries is particularly well documented. There are even ancient pieces such as a Roman gem cutter and Assyrian stone seals.
The museum is open for long days in the summer with an hour closure for lunch during winter and is only closed on Mondays. Entrance costs only five Euros with lots of discounted rates available. Set within his own home, this collection of Bruschi's belongings is not only fascinating in its own right but tells the story of the man in question. Spend a day wandering around in awe on your next trip to Arezzo.
Photo credits
picture 1: Cesare Pavese 14 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: EnlightenmentReloaded / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: phil tazzini / CC BY-SA 2.0
picture 1: Cesare Pavese 14 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: EnlightenmentReloaded / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: phil tazzini / CC BY-SA 2.0
