The idea to dedicate a monument to Giuseppe Sirtori arose immediately after his death, but encountered political obstacles due to his connection with Garibaldi; the proposal was revived in 1888 with Carlo D’Adda.
The Municipality of Milan launched a fundraising campaign to finance the work. The creation of the statue was entrusted to the sculptor Enrico Butti, who completed the work in 1892. The inauguration took place on June 5 of the same year.
Over time, the work suffered various damages: the bombings of 1943 struck it severely, and in the following years, several acts of vandalism led to the loss of the saber. During the conservation restoration in the 1950s, this element was not restored.
Sirtori is depicted standing with his arms crossed and his head tilted.
The ease with which the general wears the Garibaldian uniform reveals his stern and sincere character. The base of the sculpture testifies to some episodes from his time in the Garibaldian ranks. The reliefs on the pedestal are dedicated to the victory of Palermo, the most important moment of his military career: on the front, the general is depicted leading the cavalry during the attack on Porta Termini; on the right side, the advance of the troops is illustrated, while on the left side, Sirtori’s entry into the Sicilian city is shown. Finally, on the back, the famous passage of the Ponte dell’Ammiraglio is sculpted.
photo: © Beppe Brancato | © Christian Richters | © Fabrizio Stipari
Due to a general strike
on Friday, October 30, 2026,
regular opening hours for the
Permanent Collection
may not be guaranteed.
The exhibitions will close at 7:30pm in any case
(last admission 6:30pm).
The exhibitions Matisse. The world in a room and Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year – Charmaine Poh will remain open as scheduled.
