Il Cassero per la scultura italiana dell’Ottocento e del Novecento is situated in the historic building of Il Cassero in Montevarchi, and is unique in Italy. Its main aim is the research and documentation of nineteenth and twentieth century Italian sculpture, collecting and acquiring materials concerning the sculptors of the period, and curating varied exhibitions.
The completely restored permanent exhibition consists of over 500 works which include bronze, wood, plaster, terracotta, and marble statues and drawings. The works have found their way to Montevarchi thanks to private donations, in addition to a considerable number of original documents , photographs and press releases. In the collection of Il Cassero visitors can admire works of historical and artistic importance by Michelangelo Monti, Timo Bortolotti, Arturo Stagliano, Mentore Maltoni, Mario Bini, Francesco Falcone, Raffaello Romanelli, Odo Franceschi, Antonio Maraini, Firenze Poggi and Donatella (Dodi) Bortolotti. In addition the visitor can also admire the sculptures of Montevarchi-born artists such as Pietro Guerri, Elio Galassi and Ernesto Galeffi, which belong to the Montevarchi Town Council.
The exhibitions enjoy a modern staging which combines perfectly with the ancient structure. Each room was conceived of as an atelier d’artiste creating spaces suited to the character of the artists and their collections. The statuary on the ground floor is particularly spacious and suggestive and opens up onto a large square. The historic tower caged by a full length perforated steel sheet is an ideal place for educational activities, events and performances.
GALLERY
