Pinacoteca Civica di Palazzo Volpi (Civic Art Gallery of Volpi Palace), Como

The Civic Art Gallery of Volpi Palace (Pinacoteca Civica di Palazzo Volpi) is a cultural jewel in the heart of Como. Housed in a 17th‑century palace commissioned by Ulpiano Volpi and designed by architect Sergio Venturi, the palace blends Roman elegance with local Comascan architectural traditions. Originally completed between circa 1610 and 1633, and later used as a courthouse until the 1970s, the building was transformed into a public art gallery in 1989 and fully updated in the early 2000s to showcase Como’s visual heritage.

Upon entering, visitors embark on a chronological journey through regional art, from the early medieval period to the twentieth‑century avant‑garde. The Medieval section, located in the south wing, presents Carolingian stone sculptures from Sant’Abbondio, Romanesque and Gothic frescoes, and remnants from the ancient Basilica di San Giorgio in Borgovico. The Renaissance galleries include portraits from Paolo Giovio’s celebrated "Illustrious Men" series and objects tied to the construction of Como Cathedral: stained‑glass windows, wooden models, tapestries, and sculptures.

The Historic Painting gallery (Quadreria), situated on the noble floor, features altarpieces and genre paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, many salvaged from demolished or closed churches and private collections, offering insight into local devotional art and daily life. On the upper floor, the 20th‑century collection spotlights Como’s role in Futurism, Rationalism, and abstract art through works by Antonio Sant’Elia, Giuseppe Terragni, and members of the Gruppo Como such as Mario Radice, Manlio Rho, Ico Parisi, and Carla Badiali.

For tourists, the Pinacoteca offers more than fine art-it’s a narrative of Como’s identity. Aside from the permanent galleries, rotating exhibitions often activate the “campo‑quadro” space, adding fresh perspectives. Conveniently located steps away from San Fedele Square and Como Cathedral, it makes a perfect cultural stop during your exploration of the city and the lakefront.