About
The Donizetti Museum is a significant cultural site in Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy that commemorates the life and work of composer Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), who was born in the city.
Its origins can be traced back to the centenary celebration of Donizetti's birth in 1897, which included an exhibition at Palazzo delle Scuole and the unveiling of a monument in his honor. These events sparked the idea for a more permanent showcase of Donizetti's legacy. Thanks to the generosity of the Rota Basoni family, who cared for Donizetti during his final months, many personal belongings and memorabilia were donated to the Congregation of Charity of Bergamo in 1902. This formed the foundation of what would become the Donizetti Museum, which officially opened its doors in September 1906. Over time, additional exhibits have been added and Guido Zavadini served as director from 1909 until his passing in 1958, even publishing a catalogue of the museum's collection in 1936.
