Bringing value to Palazzo d'Arco

The Palazzo dei conti d'Arco was erected at the end of the 18th century by the neoclassical architect Antonio Colonna for a branch of the Trentino lineage of the counts, a family with a long history of settlement in the city of Mantua. The beautiful façade is inspired by the art of Palladio. The palace is completely furnished as it was at the time of the last descendant of the family. The picture gallery is of considerable artistic and historical value. The 19th-century kitchen, rich in copper objects, is interesting. Beyond the exedra that closes the courtyard is the Sala dello Zodiaco with its large cycle of frescoes by Giovanni Falconetto, one of the great forgotten painters of the 16th century in Italy. The frescoes, dominated by classical allegories, are also minute representations of life in that century during the different months of the year. The palace is a perfect abode illustrating the taste and luxury of the Italian nobility between two centuries. The Foundation's aim today is to involve the visitor in the exhibitions and the life of the palace in an experiential way and to develop innovative forms of digital activities to intercept new audiences. Visit the site