Banca d'Italia's Art Collection: From Ancient Finds to Contemporary Works

The art collection of the Bank of Italy originated in the late 19th century with the discovery of artifacts during excavations at Palazzo Koch, including a marble statue of Antinous found in 1886. In the 1930s, the institution expanded its holdings by acquiring a substantial part of Riccardo Gualino's collection, featuring works from artists such as Monet and Spadini. From the 1980s onward, the collection has grown to encompass masterpieces from 20th-century Italian artists. Recently, it added 'Quanti' (2019) by Alberto Di Fabio. The bank also owns historic sites like Palazzo Dolfin Manin and Palazzo della Papesse, currently undergoing restoration. Palazzo Koch is accessible to the public on Saturdays, and since 2011, the bank has curated exhibitions and operates a virtual museum emphasizing social responsibility and contemporary Italian art.