Casa Cavalier Pellanda

Studio Meyer Piattini, first restoration 1980 - 1987; second restoration 2024

The restoration of Casa Cavalier Pellanda has restored the atmosphere of a 16th-century palazzo, uncovering much of the original plasterwork, reconstructing missing parts of the original fabric and carefully considering every new addition. Integrating the technical systems required for a contemporary exhibition space involved establishing a dialogue both with the historic building and with the previous restoration carried out in 1986 by architects Bruno Reichlin and Fabio Reinhart. Many elements from that restoration that had been lost were reconstructed, particularly the lighting and ventilation elements. For the new climate-control systems, an expression was sought that moved beyond a purely technical language and entered into dialogue with the poetic character of the existing installations. The selected lighting fixtures, some of which were specially designed, provide appropriate illumination for the exhibition rooms and circulation spaces while emphasising the character of the different environments and allowing the existing lamps to remain visually prominent. A lift was integrated into the staircase system connecting Casa Cavalier Pellanda and Casa Benzoni, while a direct connection between the two buildings was created on the ground floor. The entrance gates, symmetrically positioned with one facing Piazzetta Cavalier Pellanda and the other the courtyard, were restored with two different approaches. The gate facing the square, which serves as the museum’s main entrance, was stripped of its 19th-century cladding to reveal the original walnut boards. The opposite gate was redesigned with glazed sections, allowing views into the courtyard and inviting visitors towards the exit. In a future phase, the courtyard will become a space for meeting, resting and exhibitions.