Former nursery in Cermenate reborn as cultural hub through Cesare Cattaneo's rationalist architecture

The former Giuseppe Garbagnati nursery in Cermenate, a rationalist masterpiece by Cesare Cattaneo built between 1935 and 1937, is being revived as a cultural center. The building, recognized for cultural interest in 2008, was acquired by the Associazione Cesare Cattaneo ONLUS, founded in 2012 by the architect's heirs. A series of exhibitions throughout 2025 aims to demonstrate the structure's viability for cultural activities. The first exhibition, focusing on the nursery's design history, runs until May 11, 2025. A second exhibition, 'Lo spazio armonico e la fontana di Camerlata,' opens May 17, 2025, highlighting Cattaneo's collaboration with painter Mario Radice for the VI Triennale di Milano. Restoration plans are under review by the Soprintendenza, with funding from Fondazione Cariplo. Work is expected to start by end of 2025 and finish in 2026. The building, originally a nursery, later a pharmacy and Red Cross office, will host exhibitions, educational activities, and debates related to architecture, design, and visual arts.