The Lord Byron Museum will open its doors on November 29, 2024 on the second floor of Palazzo Guiccioli in Ravenna. This palace, former residence of the husband of Countess Teresa Gamba Guiccioli (1798-1873), lover of the romantic poet Lord Byron (1788-1824), housed the poet between 1819 and 1821. Palazzo Guiccioli, aristocratic residence located on Via Cavour, in the city center, covers 2,220 m², spread over two floors and 24 rooms.
The building, built at the end of the 17th century, was acquired by the private Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna Foundation from the municipality for 7 million euros. The Foundation financed its restoration, thereby reviving one of the city’s most prestigious residences. This museum is currently the only one dedicated to the author of Don Juan (1819).
On the ground floor of the Palazzo is another museum, dedicated to the “Risorgimento”, a period which saw the Italian states unify in the 19th century. The dialogue between the two floors illustrates the political issues that Lord Byron faced during his voluntary exile. If his writings from this period reflect his love story with the countess, they also testify to his links with the Carbonari, a secret society active in Europe and spearhead of the Risorgimento. Lord Byron shares these political ideas with Alessandro Guiccioli, Ruggero and Pietro Gamba, respectively husband, father and brother of Teresa, who integrate him into their clandestine circle. With them he is even involved in the illegal importation of firearms, as indicated The Byron Societywhose headquarters is the Palazzo Guiccioli.
The museum tour depicts Lord Byron as a visionary poet and social agitator. “The idea (of the museum) is to connect three facets of Lord Byron: the poet, the lover and the freedom-loving man”explains a museum spokesperson in The Guardian. The period exposed extends from his stay in Venice where he met Teresa in Ravenna, until his death in 1824 in Greece, where he fought alongside the independence fighters. Her writings are highlighted, alongside objects kept by Teresa, such as baskets of letters.
In a more recent wing of the Palazzo, built after the 19th century, is the Museum of Dolls, from the collection of Graziella Gardini Pasini, former president of the Academy of Fine Arts of Ravenna. An initiative celebrating major figures of local cultural heritage and placing Lord Byron in the city’s literary heritage, also marked by Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), whose tomb is located in the historic center.
