Emilei-Forti Palace

Palazzo Emilei - Forti, or more simply Palazzo Forti, occupies part of the city block of Roman origin bounded by Via Forti, Via Massalongo, Corso S. Anastasia, and Vicolo Due Mori.

In its over 5000 square meters, it traces centuries of history: from the Roman area, to the medieval layout, from the 18th-century decorations to the restoration by Libero Cecchini.

The Emilei family, originally from Brescia, came into possession of the property around the second half of the 1400s and over the years made a complete renovation and expansion of the building.

Many historical figures have resided at Palazzo Emilei: during the Italian campaign, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed there, while between 1849 and 1853, Field Marshal Josef Radetzky designated it as a government representation and residence.

In 1854, Pietro Emilei, who had been interned in Salzburg for anti-Austrian activities, was forced to sell the property to Israele Forti, a wealthy Jewish merchant originally from Sabbioneta.

Achille Forti, an illustrious botanist and the last descendant of the family, in 1937 bequeathed the palace to the Municipality of Verona, which, as per testamentary wishes, initially designated it as a modern art museum.

After a long period during which the property was assigned to other purposes, in 1982 the Modern Art Gallery was relaunched with events that enjoyed extraordinary public success and remained at Palazzo Forti continuously until 2012.

In 2014, it was permanently transferred to the prestigious Palazzo della Ragione, while the spaces of Palazzo Emilei Forti were designated to host a museum of opera (AMO), which remained active until 2019.

Currently, Palazzo Forti is intended as an open and accessible cultural center, hosting events and temporary exhibitions.