The Palazzo Guasco is a historic building on the street of the same name in Alessandria. Originally constructed by a wealthy family, the palace is now the seat of the city’s Modern Art Gallery.
Palazzo Guasco Alessandria
Useful information
The address of the Palazzo Guasco Gallarati di Bisio (as the official name goes) is Via del Guasco 49 – 15121 Alessandria (tel. +39 0131304026). The Galleria d’Arte Moderna “Carlo Carrà” is open every day except Monday.
History and description
The Palazzo Guasco was built in the 17th century. It was intended as a residence for the aristicratic Guasco family. The current appearance of the palace is the result of a renovation in the 18th century, commissioned by Marquis Lodovico Guasco-Gallarati di Solero.
In 1729 his father Filippo had opened the first theater of Alessandria inside the building. Not coincidentally, the theater was called the Teatro dei Guasco. The palace thus became the center of the social and cultural life of the city. However, in 1766, due to pressure from the church and the middle classes, the theater had to be closed.
Today, the palace houses a number of provincial offices, as well as a library and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna. The part of the palace where the theater used to be is now private property.