Welcome to Palazzo Ceni, the ancient residence of the family the building is named after and whose most illustrious ancestor, the scholar Ascanio Pipino de’ Mori, a captain in the service of Duke Federico Gonzaga and friend of the poet Tasso, was born here in Medole. Tied to the Municipality by the will of the last descendant of the family, the building has undergone major restorations since 2006 to return it to the community. Thanks to this work, today Palazzo Ceni houses the town hall, library, historical archive, and art collection.
The history of the Medole Civic Art Collection is a story of passion for the art and culture of the local region, for the profound sentiments of artistic souls distilled into lasting images that can become part of the history of art.
The origins of this collection can be traced back to the seventies, when many exhibitions were set up and the major initial group of works began to be brought together almost naturally, thanks to the commitment of a group of art enthusiasts connected with the local Pro Loco Association. Thanks to purchases and donations, both public and private, the value and importance of the collection increased over the years, until it now consists of approximately 250 pieces.
The entire heritage had previously been preserved and exhibited in the charming but restricted rooms of the nearby Gonzaga tower (all that remains of the Castrum Medulae, which now hosts temporary exhibitions). Then in 1995 it was donated to the Municipality of Medole by the Pro Loco voluntary association in order to ensure its preservation, continuity, and accessibility.