Casa Balla

On our last trip to Rome, after previously being unable to get tickets, we were thrilled to finally get in to Casa Balla, the home of Futurist artist Giacomo Balla (1871 –1958), his wife Elisa Marcucci, and their two daughters Luce and Elica, who were also artists.  This home had never previously been open to the public.

The sign on the door of the Casa Balla

Futurism is an interesting and particularly Italian artistic movement, focused on motion and technology, such as the movement of automobiles and planes. Balla is a favorite of ours because we find his works particularly playful, such as this one, entitled Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash:

You can feel the happy and constant motion of the little dog on the leash, walking down the street with his owner. As we were to discover, Balla’s home had the same sense of energy and fun as this adorable depiction of a little dog. The MAXXI webpage on Casa Balla describes it as a “laboratory of experimentation made up of painted walls, a myriad of furniture, furnishings, decorated utensils, numerous paintings and sculptures, clothes he designed and many other objects that together created a unique and kaleidoscopic total project.” Boy, are they right!

Balla designed the light fixtures and painted the ceiling.

 

The house’s ceiling is decorated, as are panels covering storage (apparently these are reproductions, the originals having been sold off).

 

He designed the tiles…

 

… which you can see in the bathroom

 

The kitchen is brightly painted, and the furniture, linens, and plates are Balla designs as well.

 

In the hallway, on the decorative coat rack, are a purse, coat, and hat also designed by Balla.

 

One of the daughters’ rooms, with a fun raised bed.

 

An inviting and cozy seating area in the daughter’s room

 

The other daughter’s room

 

Painted glass bottles – absolutely gorgeous

 

Looking down the hallway to Balla’s tiny study

 

Balla’s tiny study – a knockout of color

 

What would have been the living room, used as a studio for the family of artists… with the giant hands painted on sliding panels (pictured at the top of this post) to the right.

MAXXI has extended its opening of Casa Balla from April 6 to Saturday, July 15, 2023. Tours are currently in Italian only, but even if you do not speak Italian — and, even if you aren’t an art lover — you may find it worthwhile just to have this immersive experience in the artist’s own home.

Published by spanishstepsapartment

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In the heart of Rome's Historic Center, between the beautiful Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain, this luxury two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is surrounded by fine dining and fabulous shopping. It is within walking distance of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and many other historic sites and museums, and near the subway, taxi stands, bus stops, and bike rental. Located in a traditional Roman palazzo, the apartment was fully renovated in late 2010 and is now available for vacation and short-term rental.

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