Discovering Palazzo Moroni with Dolce&Gabbana and FAI

An immersive journey into history, uncovering the splendors of Palazzo Moroni with Dolce&Gabbana and FAI for Milan Design Week 2023.

The Enduring Elegance of Palazzo Moroni

Nestled in the heart of Bergamo, within the charming alleys of Città Alta, stands Palazzo Moroni—an architectural masterpiece from the 17th century. Commissioned by Francesco Moroni and Lucrezia Roncalli, who were drawn to the city’s remarkable elegance and artistic heritage, this grand residence was established in the historic Porta Dipinta area, now Via Dipinta. Preserved by the Fondazione Museo del Palazzo Moroni, the estate's historical archives chronicle the legacy of the Moroni family, whose passion for Baroque art and architecture left a lasting imprint on Bergamo's cultural history.

A Wonderland of Art: Discovering the Frescoes, Architecture, and Gardens

Palazzo Moroni graciously welcomes visitors with its sweeping portico, graced by a striking sculpture of Neptune. Beyond this grand entrance lies the imposing main staircase, ascending to the noble floor, where a series of refined residential rooms unfolds. In this space, immersed in an atmosphere of pure elegance, the walls are adorned with captivating artistic masterpieces from the 17th and 19th centuries, bringing the rich heritage of Palazzo Moroni to life. The noble floor is also home to the esteemed Moroni Collection, showcasing an impressive array of treasures, including iconic portraits such as Gian Gerolamo Grumelli’s The Knight in Pink and Isotta Brembati, both exquisitely rendered by Albino Giovanni Battista Moroni.

Outside, guests are greeted by the enchanting panoramic garden—one of the largest parks in Bergamo Alta. Perched on Sant’Eufemia hill, this private oasis offers a serene retreat, complete with a balcony and three terraces designed in the 17th-century style. From the highest terrace, visitors can access the neomedieval tower of the Civic Fortress, fondly referred to as the "Count’s Retreat," which echoes the charm and history of a bygone era. Adding to the garden's allure is the expansive agricultural area, known as the ortaglia, alongside numerous mulberry trees, a treasured symbol of the family's legacy and their historical ties to silk production.

The Grandeur of Baroque Art

Palazzo Moroni with Dolce&Gabbana and FAI is one of the finest and most significant examples of Baroque painting in the Bergamo region, a priceless artistic treasure for Lombardy. Among the distinguished artists who contributed to this extraordinary decorative cycle is Gian Giacomo Barbelli, a gifted painter from Crema, whom Francesco Moroni commissioned to adorn the palace's interiors. The residential rooms, each named after the mythological themes depicted, leave visitors captivated. In the "Golden Age Room," Saturn is surrounded by allegorical figures symbolizing Peace, Abundance, Simplicity, and Joy. Equally striking is the "Falling of the Giants Room," a dramatic portrayal of Jupiter’s thunderous battle against the Giants. Other notable rooms include the "Hercules Room" and the "Jerusalem Delivered Room," a tribute to Torquato Tasso’s literary masterpiece.

The art collections and frescoes within Palazzo Moroni stand as a testament to the owners' deep passion for art, architecture, and nature. These remarkable works have transformed the palace into a veritable treasure trove of beauty and culture, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate its timeless splendor.

A territorial partnership

Managed by the Fondazione Museo di Palazzo Moroni since 2019 and generously donated to the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI) in 2020, Palazzo Moroni has become a beacon for the preservation and enhancement of artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage. During Milan Design Week, Dolce&Gabbana, renowned for championing Italian artisanal excellence and regional art and architecture, chose Palazzo Moroni as a canvas for their creativity. The brand personalized one of the villa's principal rooms with a distinctive Leo print installation and bespoke furnishings.

In 2023, Dolce&Gabbana further cemented its partnership with FAI, collaboratively advancing core values such as Italian heritage, culture, tradition, education, and beauty, thereby reinforcing its deep connection to Italian heritage. Milan Design Week showcased Dolce&Gabbana’s vision through evocative videos and imagery celebrating FAI’s treasured sites. This narrative was vividly brought to life at the Virtual Room of the Dolce&Gabbana Casa store on Corso Venezia 7, where Palazzo Moroni illuminated as a true gem of art and sophistication.