Palazzo Serbelloni
Milan
About & Heritage
Palazzo Serbelloni is an 18th-century Neoclassical palace situated on Corso Venezia in the heart of Milan’s historic core. Originally commissioned by Gabrio Serbelloni and designed by renowned architect Simone Cantoni between 1775 and 1793, the palace quickly became an epicenter of Enlightenment-era intellectual and social life in Lombardy. Its history is tied to major European political and cultural milestones; Napoleon Bonaparte resided in the palace for three months in 1796 during the Italian Campaign, using its gilded reception rooms (Sale Napoleoniche) as his regional headquarters. The interior features frescoes by Giuliano Traballesi, ornate stuccoes, and grand chandeliers. Following meticulous restoration efforts after suffering bomb damage during World War II, the landmark retains its position as a private cultural venue. Today, Palazzo Serbelloni houses the Italian headquarters and main salesroom of Sotheby’s, hosting marquee auctions of fine art, rare jewelry, and historic design pieces. Simultaneously, it serves as a venue for high-end luxury exhibitions, immersive installations by international design houses (such as Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades), and private VIP previews. Its mission is to preserve Neoclassical architecture while hosting modern artistic, design, and commercial programs.
- Note : Serves as the Italian headquarters for Sotheby’s auction house and host to exclusive exhibition partnerships with top global luxury houses during Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile.
Palazzo Serbelloni Opening Overview
Access depends on current programming. Sotheby’s galleries are open during pre-sale public exhibition windows. During major cultural activations like Milan Design Week, the palace opens to ticketed/registered visitors. Private office and valuation consultations require appointment.
Weekly Hours
Monday: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Sotheby’s Offices / Pre-sale Exhibition Hours)
Tuesday: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Thursday: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Saturday: Open during designated exhibition cycles & Salone del Mobile (typically 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM)
Sunday: Closed (Open only during major international art/design events)
Special Closures & Private Visit Policy
Closed on Italian national holidays (e.g., Easter Monday, Liberation Day on April 25, Ferragosto on August 15, Christmas/New Year holidays).
Open to Public (During scheduled public pre-sale viewings and design exhibitions), By Appointment Only (Auction valuations, private sales, and client consultations), Invitation Only (Marquee evening auctions and VIP galas), Private Suite / VIP Only (Private salon viewings).
Legacy & Iconic Highlights
Simone Cantoni (Architect) (Designing the Neoclassical facade and grand hall, 1775–1793)
Napoleon Bonaparte (Historical Figure) (Headquarters stay during the 1796 Italian Campaign)
Joséphine de Beauharnais (Historical Figure) (Resided in the palace suites alongside Napoleon)
Sotheby’s Milan (Auction House) (Establishment of the primary Italian salesroom)
Louis Vuitton (Luxury House) (Objets Nomades showcase during Milan Design Week)
Giuliano Traballesi (Artist) (Frescoes detailing mythological allegories in the central hall)
Salone del Mobile / Fuorisalone (Event) (Premier venue for luxury design debuts)
Lucio Fontana (Artist) (Concetto Spaziale works featured in Modern Art sales)
Piero Manzoni (Artist) (Major post-war Italian avant-garde highlights)
Alberto Burri (Artist) (Sacchi and Cretti series auction showcases)
Giorgio de Chirico (Artist) (Metaphysical masterworks featured in evening auctions)
Marino Marini (Sculptor) (Iconic bronze equestrian sculptures exhibited)
Alighiero Boetti (Artist) (Mappa tapestries presented in contemporary art viewings)
Fausto Melotti (Artist) (Sculptural delicate brass installations exhibited)
Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli (Historical Figure) (Frequent 19th-century salon attendee)
Metamorphosis by Swarovski (Exhibition) (High-jewelry and crystal architectural displays)
Baccarat (Luxury Crystal) (Historical glass collections exhibited in the Napoleonic rooms)
Cartier (Fine Jewelry) (High-jewelry collection previews and client private views)
Fine Horology & Watch Sales (Auction Event) (Rare Patek Philippe and Rolex collector auctions)
Giorgio Morandi (Artist) (Still-life retrospective highlights ahead of European sales)
Fondazione Cariplo (Culture) (Historic cultural preservation collaborations)
Sala Napoleonica (Heritage Site) (Iconic frescoed ballroom used for high-profile galas)
Vincenzo Monti (Poet/Writer) (Attended Enlightenment-era literary salons at the palace)
Count Gabrio Serbelloni (Founder) (Patron who commissioned the building)
Restoration of 1950s (Historical Event) (Post-WWII restoration restoring original Neoclassical stuccowork)
- RSS feed
Live Updates: Palazzo Serbelloni
- Why has Rolex launched its latest Padellone watch in Milan? - Financial Times
- Thom Browne Men’s Spring/Summer 2027 Blooms in Seersucker - L'Officiel Philippines
- Thom Browne’s Spring/Summer 2027 Collection is an Invitation to His Garden - V Magazine
- Franck Genser and Louis Vuitton Present the Acqua Table at Milan Design Week 2026 - InteriorDaily
- Louis Vuitton Stages a Dialogue Between Eras at Milan Design Week 2026 - L'Officiel Philippines
Venue Type
Premium Art Gallery, Antique & Period Gallery, Auction House & Salesroom, Fine Jewelry Atelier, Watch & Horology Boutique, Rare Collectibles Salon, Design & Interior Showroom, Cultural Art Center, Private Viewing Suite, Artistic Heritage Site
Social Presence
Venue ID : 44560
Last Update : August 8, 2026
- Note: These details are curated for preliminary guidance. As schedules and seasonal programming at prestigious institutions are subject to change, we recommend visiting the venue’s official portal for the most current information and private arrangements.
- If you notice any discrepancies, require structural updates to an artist profile, wish to submit a recommendation, or would like to share your official portfolio document and visual artwork samples, please do not hesitate to reach out. We welcome submissions from artists, representatives, and estates alike.
- Contact Us
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