Citizen-funded renovation revives Galleria Ricci Oddi in Piacenza

After a year of renovations funded by citizens, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi in Piacenza reopens on April 28 with a restored interior and rehung collection. The project, designed pro bono by Milanese studio Lissoni & Partners, began in spring 2025 and covered over 1,000 square meters across all 22 rooms. The most significant maintenance in over two decades focused on recovering the original architecture by Giulio Ulisse Arata, who designed the sober building inaugurated in 1931. The spaces were restored following his plan, featuring a large central panopticon and natural zenithal light. The layout honors the vision of aristocrat Giuseppe Ricci Oddi (1868-1937), who first opened his collection in the family palace on Via Poggiali before commissioning a purpose-built space—one of very few in Italy—and donating it to the city. Director Lucia Pini stated the goal was to give the public an environment that "gives breath to the works and serenity to visitors" and communicates the tight relationship between the collection and the building. The museum remained partially open during construction.