Celebrating the brand’s history and innovation with 50 Italian masterpieces
From June 17 to July 14, 2024, Palazzo Citterio, the future home of the modern collections of the Pinacoteca di Brera, will host the “Masters of Light” exhibition by Swarovski. This event not only celebrates nearly 130 years of the renowned Austrian brand’s history but also marks a significant step towards the public opening of the newly restored Palazzo Citterio, scheduled for December 2024.
Curated by British journalist and fashion critic Alexander Fury, the exhibition was conceived by creative director Giovanna Engelbert. “Masters of Light” debuted in Shanghai last autumn and now arrives in Milan, reimagined to celebrate the Italian fashion industry. The exhibition features over 50 works from Italian fashion houses such as Prada, Miu Miu, Fendi Couture, Gucci, Atelier Versace, and Armani Privé. Among the showcased works are iconic creations by Gianni and Donatella Versace, as well as stage costumes and red carpet dresses worn by celebrities like Harry Styles, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé.
The exhibition will be divided into seven key themes, providing an overview of the brand’s evolution and innovation. Visitors will be able to admire jewellery, figurines, and faceted crystals, including the largest crystal chaton ever created. A highlight will be Galaxy, the new high jewellery collection made with Swarovski Created Diamonds.
The “Swarovski – Masters of Light” exhibition is not just an exhibition but an experience that combines art, fashion, and history. The opportunity to see Swarovski’s dazzling creations in such a prestigious setting makes this exhibition a must-see for all art and design enthusiasts.
The exhibition coincides with Milan Fashion Week, ensuring an additional draw for visitors and industry professionals. Enhancing the exhibition experience will be a POP-UP store offering a range of Swarovski products and a Café in the palace gardens, featuring culinary delights by the renowned chef Carlo Cracco.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the brilliance of Swarovski crystals and discover one of Milan’s architectural gems, Palazzo Citterio, in anticipation of its full reopening.
Palazzo Citterio: a rediscovered heritage
Palazzo Citterio is a historic building located in the heart of Milan’s Brera district. Built in the 18th century, the palace has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Acquired by the Italian State in 1972, Palazzo Citterio was intended to house the modern art collections of the Pinacoteca di Brera, thanks to donations from the Jesi and Vitali families.
In 2012, Palazzo Citterio was occupied by the artistic collective Macao, at a time when discussions were already underway to use it for the expansion of the Pinacoteca di Brera. Restoration work, carried out between 2015 and 2018, has returned the palace to its former glory, although its public opening has been delayed several times: initially planned for 2021, it was postponed first to 2023 and finally to 2024.
One of the proposals was to create a walkway directly connecting Palazzo Citterio to the Pinacoteca di Brera, but this idea was not realised. Nevertheless, the long wait seems to be coming to an end, and in December 2024, the palace will finally open its doors to house the modern art collections currently displayed in the Napoleonic Rooms of the Pinacoteca di Brera.
