Palazzina Marfisa d'Este Reopens in Ferrara After Two-Year Restoration

Palazzina Marfisa d'Este, a Renaissance palace built between 1556 and 1560 and once owned by Marfisa d'Este, reopens to the public on September 5, 2025, following a two-year renovation. The project, costing over €1.17 million, included structural consolidation, seismic improvements, restoration of 16th-century ceilings, and redevelopment of the Loggia degli Aranci and Italian-style garden. Accessibility was enhanced with a new ramp, updated services, and modern climate control. A new museum layout, valued at approximately €170,000, features eight exhibition rooms with 162 art objects from civic collections, the Fondazione Estense, and BPER Banca, including ceramics, medals, coins, musical instruments, and everyday items from the 1500s. Highlights include the Sala dei Banchetti, the Studiolo with a rare 18th-century mandola, and the Sala Grande displaying 16th- and 17th-century ceramics. A section is dedicated to Marfisa d'Este, exploring her connection to poet Torquato Tasso and Este court music. The display pays homage to the 1938 installation by Nino Barbantini, who transformed the palace into a Renaissance residence using antique furniture and artworks from the 15th to 18th centuries. The reopening coincides with the 30th anniversary of Ferrara's UNESCO recognition.