The Estense Gallery will turn 130 years old tomorrow: it was early June 1894, in fact, when the ducal art gallery reopened in its new location at the Palazzo dei Musei, the eighteenth-century building (formerly Albergo dei Poveri) where it is still housed. In reality – we know – the collection is decidedly older and dates back to the Ferrara years of the Este dynasty: many paintings were transferred to Modena when the Este family had to leave Ferrara in 1598, other masterpieces were acquired especially at the time of Francesco I, Duke patron, passionate about the arts, others unfortunately in 1746 were sold by Francis III to the Elector of Saxony with the famous ‘Sale of Dresden’, and among them also the famous ‘Night’ by Correggio.
In Modena the gallery of treasures was long located in the Palazzo Ducale which after the mid-nineteenth century became the seat of the Military Academy. The paintings and sculptures were then transferred to the Palazzo dei Musei, of which the Estense Gallery has been the pearl for 130 years: in a few months, among other things, it will also extend its spaces to the rooms that are being renovated in the former Estense hospital . To celebrate her birthday, tomorrow the Gallery directed by Alessandra Necci will therefore be exceptionally open on Monday and has prepared a surprise for everyone, a guided tour … by none other than the most serene Duke Francesco I.
From late afternoon (at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm) theatrical visits to the collection will begin. After a brief introduction on the history of the art gallery and the Este family, it will be the Duke himself who will talk about his love for painting, sculpture and the fine arts, recalling his era. And from his guidance he will then hear what happened after his death. The visit ‘with a special guest’ is free: you will only pay the entrance ticket to the Gallery which offers many discounts.
To participate, reservations are required by calling 059-4395711 tomorrow morning.
