ACCADEMIA CARRARA, History

Hi, my name’s Jill, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the wonders of the world: the Accademia Carrara, one of the most important art galleries in Italy and indeed in Europe.

The Accademia Carrara di Belle Arti is the only museum in Italy established thanks to a private donation, made by Count Giacomo Carrara, who decided to leave his splendid collection to the city of Bergamo at the end of the 18th century. An academic and aficionado of art, Carrara founded a painting school for the young people in the area, and ordered the construction of a building to house his collection, previously scattered throughout his various homes. Upon his death, in 1796, he left his entire estate to the Accademia for the gallery to continue its activities.

The building that houses the collection was designed by the architect Simone Elia. It was completed in 1810 and also comprised the premises of Carrara’s Painting School. At the beginning of the 20th century, a new wing was added in the garden behind the building to create more space for the school.

Over the years, the collection has grown, and now comprises more than 1,800 paintings, thanks to almost 200 donations, including those by Count Guglielmo Lochis, one by Giovanni Morelli and, more recently, by Federico Zeri....