Antonio Ligabue Museum Foundation

In the heart of Gualtieri, the Antonio Ligabue Museum Foundation offers a unique journey through the life and art of one of the greatest Italian painters of the 20th century. Housed within the elegant Palazzo Bentivoglio, the museum preserves documents, letters, medical records, and 37 works—including oil paintings and sculptures—allowing visitors to discover the complexity and depth of Ligabue’s (Zurich 1899 – Gualtieri 1965) creative genius.

An artistic and cultural heritage

The Foundation, established in 2014, aims to honor the artist’s legacy and transform it into a cultural driving force for the community of Gualtieri. The permanent exhibition not only chronicles Ligabue’s life but also the context in which he worked, making the artist a symbol of local identity and creativity. Visitors can admire 22 oil paintings and 5 sculptures spanning Ligabue’s entire artistic career, alongside personal documents that reveal previously unknown aspects of his tormented and extraordinary life.

Umberto Tirelli Donation – Sala di Icaro

Palazzo Bentivoglio also houses the Sala di Icaro (Icarus Room), dedicated to the Umberto Tirelli Collection. Born in Gualtieri in 1928, Tirelli was a master of theatrical and cinematic costume design, collaborating with directors and artists of the caliber of Visconti, Fellini, Pasolini, and Zeffirelli. His donation to the City includes over 50 works by renowned artists such as Balthus, Guttuso, and Mazzacurati, further enriching the museum’s collection of cultural artifacts of international significance.

Il Salone dei Giganti

A must-see is the Salone dei Giganti (The Hall of Giants), the most majestic room in Palazzo Bentivoglio, 34 meters long, 16 meters wide, and 17 meters high, entirely frescoed between 1619 and 1623 by Pier Francesco Battistelli and his collaborators. The pictorial cycle depicts 28 scenes from Torquato Tasso’s Gerusalemme Liberata, framed by elaborate architectural motifs and allegorical friezes celebrating the virtues, arts, and magnificence of the Bentivoglio family. The polychrome telamons, faux doors, and statues of Roman emperors create an immersive experience, transporting visitors on a journey through myth, history, and Baroque splendor.

A place of art and identity

The Antonio Ligabue Museum Foundation is not just an exhibition space, but a cultural center that showcases the art and history of the region. Each room tells stories of talent, dedication, and creativity, making a visit an exciting experience for art lovers, scholars, and curious visitors of all ages.