To mark the 90th anniversary of the passing of the naturalist and philanthropist Marco De Marchi, the Province of Lecco is presenting a commemorative exhibition in the halls of the Villa Monastero museum in Varenna. Launched in conjunction with the fifth ''Weekend of the 19th-Century Lombardy Network'' (*Rete dell'800 lombardo*), the exhibition explores the lives and extraordinary legacy of Marco De Marchi (1872-1936) and Rosa Curioni De Marchi (1865-1951)-the generous benefactors who gifted this historic Lake Como residence for public use.
The exhibition features a significant selection of items and artifacts that once belonged to the family and were donated to the museum by their descendants in recent years. Period clothing, books, furnishings, and everyday objects are brought back to life, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere and historical significance of the residence as it was when its original owners lived there.
🏛️ The Exhibition
Curated by Anna Ranzi, the exhibition is organized into several thematic sections designed to weave together memory, art, and a festive spirit:
[*] Memories and Testimonies: The rooms house handwritten letters, personal belongings, and vintage photographs-some reproduced as life-sized silhouettes-that breathe new life into the spaces of the residence.
[*] Restored Period Clothing: For the first time, two early 20th-century women's garments belonging to Rosa Curioni De Marchi are on display-a black lace ensemble (comprising a skirt, petticoat, bodice, and cape) and a blue outfit featuring a velvet-and-lace bodice-all carefully reconstructed for this occasion. [*] Threads of Memory… and Light (Starting November 5): An innovative section in which the necktie is transformed into a journey through history, graphic design, upcycling, and contemporary jewelry.
[*] The De Marchi Christmas Table (Starting December 3): In celebration of the holiday season, the dining room will feature a table set with an antique, cream-colored porcelain dinner service with gold trim, dating back to 1879 (Società Ceramica Richard) and accompanied by crystal glassware and silverware from the same era as the De Marchi family.
🧵 The Youth, Sustainability, and Inclusion Project
Building on the collaboration for the ''Japan on Lake Como'' project, this exhibition-opening November 5-showcases the work of students from the *Istituto Superiore Grafica Moda Design* (Higher Institute for Graphic Design and Fashion) in Lecco, in partnership with the social tailoring workshop *Laorca Lab* and the *Casa di Quartiere* (Neighborhood Center).
The students have engaged in a comprehensive educational program, ranging from historical research on the necktie and the creation of patterns and graphics inspired by the Lake Como landscape, to the crafting of fashion accessories through the upcycling of neckties donated by the local community.
The project bridges design culture with social responsibility: a portion of the items created by the students will be donated to *Laorca Lab* to support inclusion initiatives for individuals with cognitive impairments, as well as to fundraising efforts for the *Casa di Quartiere*.
🤝 Synergies and Collaborations
This event is promoted by the Province of Lecco in collaboration with the Museum of the Risorgimento in Milan (Palazzo Moriggia-the former Milanese residence of the De Marchi family) as part of the Lombard 19th-Century Network (*Rete dell'800 lombardo*). Marco and Rosa De Marchi: a villa, a collection, a love story
September 26, 2026 - January 31, 2027
The exhibition features a significant selection of items and artifacts that once belonged to the family and were donated to the museum by their descendants in recent years. Period clothing, books, furnishings, and everyday objects are brought back to life, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere and historical significance of the residence as it was when its original owners lived there.
🏛️ The Exhibition
Curated by Anna Ranzi, the exhibition is organized into several thematic sections designed to weave together memory, art, and a festive spirit:
[*] Memories and Testimonies: The rooms house handwritten letters, personal belongings, and vintage photographs-some reproduced as life-sized silhouettes-that breathe new life into the spaces of the residence.
[*] Restored Period Clothing: For the first time, two early 20th-century women's garments belonging to Rosa Curioni De Marchi are on display-a black lace ensemble (comprising a skirt, petticoat, bodice, and cape) and a blue outfit featuring a velvet-and-lace bodice-all carefully reconstructed for this occasion. [*] Threads of Memory… and Light (Starting November 5): An innovative section in which the necktie is transformed into a journey through history, graphic design, upcycling, and contemporary jewelry.
[*] The De Marchi Christmas Table (Starting December 3): In celebration of the holiday season, the dining room will feature a table set with an antique, cream-colored porcelain dinner service with gold trim, dating back to 1879 (Società Ceramica Richard) and accompanied by crystal glassware and silverware from the same era as the De Marchi family.
🧵 The Youth, Sustainability, and Inclusion Project
Building on the collaboration for the ''Japan on Lake Como'' project, this exhibition-opening November 5-showcases the work of students from the *Istituto Superiore Grafica Moda Design* (Higher Institute for Graphic Design and Fashion) in Lecco, in partnership with the social tailoring workshop *Laorca Lab* and the *Casa di Quartiere* (Neighborhood Center).
The students have engaged in a comprehensive educational program, ranging from historical research on the necktie and the creation of patterns and graphics inspired by the Lake Como landscape, to the crafting of fashion accessories through the upcycling of neckties donated by the local community.
The project bridges design culture with social responsibility: a portion of the items created by the students will be donated to *Laorca Lab* to support inclusion initiatives for individuals with cognitive impairments, as well as to fundraising efforts for the *Casa di Quartiere*.
🤝 Synergies and Collaborations
This event is promoted by the Province of Lecco in collaboration with the Museum of the Risorgimento in Milan (Palazzo Moriggia-the former Milanese residence of the De Marchi family) as part of the Lombard 19th-Century Network (*Rete dell'800 lombardo*). Marco and Rosa De Marchi: a villa, a collection, a love story
September 26, 2026 - January 31, 2027