Explore with us the Ivan Bruschi House Museum
The Ivan Bruschi House Museum is located in the beating heart of Arezzo’s historic center, inside the ancient Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, dating back to the 14th century, a very short distance from our “Cento Passi dal Duomo” Bed and Breakfast. This historic home houses the eclectic private collection of the Arezzo antiquarian, who passed away in 1996.
The House Museum is positioned near the Vasari Loggias, in an area that, in addition to hosting the renowned Antiques Fair, is the scene of temporary exhibitions and significant events such as the famous Giostra del Saracino.
Ivan Bruschi
Ivan Bruschi, born September 22, 1920, in Castiglion Fibocchi, represents a key figure in the Arezzo and national antiques scene.
Growing up in a household with a passion for antiques and enriching his cultural background during his university studies through an encounter with art critic Roberto Longhi, Bruschi took up the profession of antiques dealer with his brother in Florence. A dramatic event, the death of his parents, led him to move to Arezzo in ’56, returning to the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, at the time badly damaged by the war.
In the 1960s, Bruschi restored the ancient building, turning it into a hub of cultural gatherings and home to the Antiques Fair. In ’58, he opened his antiques store in the city, soon becoming a landmark in the industry. His vision expanded in 1968 when, inspired by a trip to London and his experience at the Portobello market, he founded the Arezzo Antiques Fair, the first of its kind in Italy. This innovative initiative not only revitalized Arezzo’s historic center but consolidated the city as a mainstay in Italian antiques.
Bruschi’s greatest legacy, however, is the Ivan Bruschi Foundation, created by will to ensure the continuity of his passion and vision. Bruschi left us on Dec. 8, 1996, in his beloved palace, but his spirit lives on every month during the Antiques Fair, a symbol of his lasting impact on the culture of Arezzo and beyond.
The Ivan Bruschi Collection
The museum’s collection, begun in the early 1960s, comprises some ten thousand pieces, including furniture, paintings, sculpture, books, glass, ceramics, silverware, jewelry, work tools and coins, with origins ranging from prehistoric to contemporary times.
The museum is divided into sixteen rooms spread over three levels, ideally starting with a prehistoric sculpture: the Venus of Arezzo. The tour continues through Egyptian, Etruscan, and Roman artifacts, as well as pieces from South American ancient history collections, taking the visitor through centuries of history, admiring furniture, weapons, textiles, jewelry, books, and scientific instruments from the Middle Ages to the modern age.
Works by Tintoretto, Guido Reni, Luca Giordano and other masters of the brush adorn the walls of the Casa Museo, offering a visual experience of rare beauty.
The Ivan Bruschi House Museum: the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo
This palace was one of the most important symbols of Arezzo during the Late Middle Ages. Inside, the House Museum is developed through an exhibition itinerary that allows visitors to appreciate the provenance and value of the collection nuclei.
The recently restored rooms highlight both works of major artistic value and handcrafted artifacts of exceptional workmanship.
The palace also boasts a splendid terrace overlooking the Romanesque Pieve di Santa Maria, offering a unique sight. Visitors have the opportunity to take a stroll outdoors, enjoying a view that frames the many valuables housed inside.
The House Museum is a place of interest for all history buffs and curious people eager to admire one of Tuscany’s most significant collections.
The Other Beauties of Arezzo’s Historic Center
Arezzo’s historic center is a real treasure to explore, and the House Museum represents just one of its many attractions.
Piazza Grande: The Heart of Arezzo
A short distance from the Ivan Bruschi House Museum, the charming Piazza Grande stands at the center of town life. This charming place is also very close to our B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo,” making it an ideal choice for those who want to fully savor the Arezzo atmosphere.
The Cathedral of San Donato
Towering over the city with its majesty, the Cathedral of San Donato is a staple on the itinerary between the House Museum and “One Hundred Steps from the Duomo,” a must-see for every tourist.
Petrarch Theater
For culture lovers, the Petrarch Theater offers memorable performances. Its proximity to our bed and breakfast makes it easy to enjoy an evening of pure entertainment.
The Vicoli and Botteghe Artigiane
Strolling through the romantic alleys of Arezzo, you will discover artisan workshops and stores offering typical products. In the historic center, you can taste the local cuisine, with unique dishes such as Pici all’Aglione or the famous Tuscan Black Crostini.
The center of Arezzo thus offers a world to discover. To make the most of every attraction, the B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo” stands out as the perfect place to explore a city as rich in history as Arezzo. Close to every wonder, “Cento Passi dal Duomo” promises an unforgettable experience, immersed in the vibrant heart of the city. Start at the House Museum and let the exploration guide you; it will be worth it!