MVSA – Museo Valtellinese di Storia e Arte

Founded in 1947 and open to the public on 20 May 1951 thanks to the dedication of the first director, Knight Giovanni Battista Gianolithe MVSA has been established since 1994 within Sassi de’ Lavizzari Palace, a splendid aristocratic residence of the Eighteenth century.

The exhibition unfolds as a rich cultural palette divided into six sections, celebrating the history and art of the entire Valtellina:

• Archaeology: Located in the evocative cellars of the palace, the rooms host from 2020 a modern layout. On display here are 19th-century finds and artefacts from over 20 years of archaeological excavations, fundamental for reconstructing the peopling of the valley and the area of Sondrio.
• Sacred Art: Born in 1961 in collaboration with the Como Diocesan Museum, this section runs through 8 halls. It houses masterpieces of Valtellina art from the’11th to 17th century, including frescoes, altarpieces, sacred jewellery and wooden sculptures.
• Collections: On the first floor, embellished by a magnificent 17th-century wooden stüa, The exhibition reveals the history of the palace and the birth of the museum, telling how the different collections became part of the heritage of the Municipality of Sondrio.
• Ligari: Three halls entirely dedicated to the famous Valtellina family of painters of the Eighteenth century. Through the extraordinary Ligari Fund - counting over 800 art objects - you can discover not only the family history, but also the secrets and workings of a real 18th century workshop.
• Twentieth century: A section that brings together a rich and heterogeneous production of modern and contemporary art, with an exhibition itinerary ranging from paintings, sculptures, graphics, installations and mixed media.
• History: A space entirely focused on the city of Sondrio, to delve into the illustrious personalities, crucial events and historical episodes that marked their evolution.