Gio Ponti's Casa Crespi in Milan to Become FAI House Museum as Restoration Begins
Restoration efforts have commenced at Casa Crespi, a residence designed by Gio Ponti located in Milan's Porta Vercellina area. This site is set to reopen as a house museum under the management of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI). Constructed in 1931 for entrepreneur Fausto Crespi, the interiors have remained largely unchanged since the 1930s. In 2021, Fausto's son, Alberto Crespi, bequeathed the estate to FAI shortly before passing away at 99. The restoration, partially funded by the Crespi family, will emphasize decorative features, including a fresco cycle by Francesco Tabusso, while maintaining the house's essence. Additionally, the museum will include music education areas in tribute to Alberto, a distinguished musician and lawyer, along with a floor dedicated to the Collezione Bagutta, contributed by Gianfelice and Martina Fiocchi Rocca.
Key facts
- Casa Crespi is a Gio Ponti–designed home at Via Verga 14, Milan, built for entrepreneur Fausto Crespi.
- Fausto Crespi moved into the house in 1931 with his wife and five children.
- The interiors, furnishings and decorations have remained largely unchanged since the 1930s.
- The property was donated to the FAI by Alberto Crespi, who died in 2021 at age 99.
- Restoration is co-financed by the Crespi family and will preserve the house's original character.
- A fresco cycle by Francesco Tabusso, including a large altarpiece, is part of the decorative heritage being restored.
- FAI will dedicate the house's spaces to music in tribute to Alberto Crespi, who installed a 1,500-pipe organ in a former bathroom.
- The museum will showcase the Collezione Bagutta, donated by Gianfelice Rocca and Martina Fiocchi Rocca, with drawings and 'liste' signed by Mario Vellani Marchi.
- Signatures on the 'liste' include those of Funi, Montale, de Chirico and Soldati.
Entities
Artists
- Gio Ponti
- Fausto Crespi
- Alberto Crespi
- Francesco Tabusso
- Mario Vellani Marchi
- Achille Funi
- Eugenio Montale
- Giorgio de Chirico
- Atanasio Soldati
- Curzio Malaparte
- Marco Magnifico
- Gianfelice Rocca
- Martina Fiocchi Rocca
- Barbara Verduci
Institutions
- FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano
- Casa Museo Crespi
- Collezione Bagutta
- Trattoria Bagutta
- Premio Bagutta
- Museo Diocesano
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Porta Vercellina
- Via Verga 14
- San Francesco al Fopponino