Despite the current conversation on overtourism and the recent explosion of mediocre places targeting the less sophisticated tourists, Bologna is still that place where you can find little gems hidden inside a historical palazzo. Magic bubbles where you can retreat for a couple of hours, surrounded by books, beauty, culture and a quaint atmosphere, for free. One of these places is the recently opened Biblioteca Eugenio Busmanti, inside Palazzo Bentivoglio, in the heart of the University quarter.
It looks like an elegant private house, all frescoed and decorated ceilings, antiques, big chandeliers and an intimate and wonderfully retro sitting room, where fashionably cushioned couches and armchairs are surrounded by an impressive library, occupying most of the walls. All the books are devoted to history of art, with most of the emphasis on the late 18th century and Neoclassicism, plus a certain penchant for interior decoration. These were the areas of study and interest of Eugenio Busmanti, owner of the collection, art historian and former host of cultural evenings on his salotto on Via Marsala.
Busmanti passed in 2018, and his salotto has been recreated here on Palazzo Bentivoglio, along with his library of around six thousand volumes and the original furnishings, re-adapted and arranged in spaces designed as a place to welcome those wishing to explore the subjects studied throughout the previous owner’s life.
The library is only open on Tuesday mornings (from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m), access is by appointment only and, in theory, only to art researchers and people looking for a specific book. In practice, there’s an atmosphere of gentle intimacy and everyone looking (or pretending to look) for one of the many publications, carefully catalogued in OPAC, is welcome. I strongly recommend to go and experience this secluded little oasis of culture in the midst of one the the busiest and overcrowded parts of historical center. For reservations, beb@palazzobentivoglio.org.
Flaneur in Bologna 