Bologna Acquires Palazzina Magnani for Potential Morandi Museum

The Municipality of Bologna has acquired Palazzina Magnani, an 18th-century villa, for €1.9 million from the State Property Office. The building, located in the Manifattura delle Arti cultural district, is intended to become the new home of the Giorgio Morandi Collection, currently housed at MAMbo (Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna). Culture Councillor Matteo Lepore stated that the acquisition will enable the creation of a major international museum hub for Morandi's works and MAMbo, with plans for renovation and an architectural competition. However, the collection's permanent location remains disputed. The Morandi Collection was donated to the city by the artist's sister, Maria Teresa Morandi, in 1991, with Palazzo d'Accursio designated as its seat. After water damage and the 2012 earthquake, the collection was moved to MAMbo. A legal battle ensued between the municipality and the Committee for the Restoration of the Morandi Museum at Palazzo d'Accursio, led by Elisabetta Brunelli. In March, a civil court ruled in favor of the municipality, stating that the transfer respected the donor's will. The committee has appealed, and a final ruling is pending. MAMbo artistic director Lorenzo Balbi called Palazzina Magnani the perfect site for the Morandi Museum, emphasizing its role in the cultural district. The villa covers 1,330 square meters with a 3,200-square-meter outdoor area, featuring a loggia and garden overlooking the Cavaticcio Park.