James Bradburne on the future of Brera Modern & its Milanese collections

By Center for Italian Modern Art

Oct 18  |  Culture

Join us for a special evening with James Bradburne, Director General of the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan, on the eve of opening to the public CIMA’s newest exhibition, Metaphysical Masterpieces 1916–1920: Morandi, Sironi, and Carrà

Palazzo Citterio, a historic palace mere steps from the Pinacoteca, was purchased in 1972 to hold the museum’s extraordinary 20th-century collections. At the core of the project Towards the Grande Brera, initially envisioned by the renowned director Franco Russoli (1923-1977), was the desire to expand the collection’s galleries as well as to make a permanent home for the Brera’s incredible holdings of Italian modern art, mostly donated to the museum by prominent Milanese collectors Emilio and Maria Jesi, Lamberto Vitali, and Gianni Mattioli (currently promised gifts on long-term loan). Great connoisseurs and passionate art patrons throughout their lives, these collectors gifted to the Pinacoteca di Brera unique masterpieces of 20th-century Italian art, including futurist paintings by Umberto Boccioni, metaphysical canvases by Giorgio Morandi, and expressionist works by Amedeo Modigliani.

James Bradburne will discuss the fascinating history of these preeminent Milanese collections in addition to providing an exclusive look into the latest developments of Brera Modern at Palazzo Citterio, currently scheduled to open in 2020. Erica Bernardi, one of CIMA’s two fall fellows, will moderate. This event serves as the inaugural public program of CIMA’s 2018-19 season and the first opportunity for audiences to see these extraordinary exemplars of metaphysical art. More about James Bradburne, Erica Bernardi, and the event’s proceedings here.

$10; Free for CIMA Members. Reservations required.

Please note: CIMA will also be live-streaming the program on our Facebook page.

Program schedule:

5:30pm: Doors open, preview of exhibition and prosecco

6:15pm: Program begins, followed by audience Q&A

7:30pm: Program concludes

8pm: Evening concludes