The 18th-century mansion, famously known as the Milanese residence of Giuseppe Verdi, exudes a perfect combination of history, charm, and refinement. This adored composer spent 27 years at the Grand Hotel et de Milan, where he wrote his masterpieces “Othello” and “The Falstaff”. One of the most exquisite suites at the hotel is dedicated to Verdi himself. To celebrate the bicentennial of Verdi’s birth, the Grand Hotel et de Milan has opened its doors to the public, showcasing Verdi’s exhibition rooms from October until next January. This eventful calendar is a perfect way to commemorate the master’s legacy and his profound connection with the city and this iconic hotel, which is undoubtedly a Verdi place par excellence
The Grand Hotel et de Milan has witnessed two memorable events in its history. In 1879, after the performance of Verdi Requiem, a hundred musicians gathered in front of the hotel, and the maestro came out on the balcony of the famous suite 105 to listen to the music. He attended the entire concert without saying a word. Years later, in 1887, after the success of Othello, Verdi was cheered by a crowd that dragged his carriage from La Scala Theatre to the Grand Hotel et de Milan.
The hotel has kept Verdi’s memory alive by preserving his apartment in its original state since his passing. Visiting this historic hotel offers a unique opportunity to experience its remarkable atmosphere, with its intact and old-world charm. Verdi once wrote in a letter to Francis Florimo in 1871, “To go forward, you must turn back to the past.”
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