Balbi Art Gallery

The north side of the Ducal Palace in Guastalla hosts the Quadreria Maldotti, a selection of about fifty paintings belonging to the collection of the historical Maldotty Library. The exhibition aims to focus the attention of the spectator on the formation of the collection over the time, showing the link between the paintings with the territory and the history of the collectionism in Guastalla's area. The frame is the beautiful Ducal Palace, the most representative monument of the town. The building tells a long and complex story about sovranity. Build at the beginning of 16th cenury as new dwelling of Torello's counts, with the advent of Gonzaga family in 1539, it becomes a royal residence. Recently passed to public propriety, it has been object of important renovation's works.

The Ducal Palace is the most representative monument in Guastalla. For long time it has been seat of the aristicratic court, now it hosts several public and private services. The Palace tells a long and complex history of sovereignty. Built at the beginning of the 16th century as the "new" dwelling of the Torello counts, with the advent of Gonzaga family in 1539 the ancient building was transformed into a royal residence. Works were entrusted by Francesco Capriani, known as Volterra, which defined its structure as a square courtyard surrounded by porch. The building will be concluded at the beginning of the 17th century. It underwent several restorations during the 19th century and, in 1908, it became the private residence of Mossina family. From 2000 it belongs to public ownership. The north side of the main floor hosts the Maldotti Quadreria, a selection of about fifty paintings belonging to the historical Maldotti Library.