Museo Casa Busoni

In the heart of Empoli, overlooking the centrally located Piazza della Vittoria, is the birthplace of Ferruccio Busoni (1866–1924), a pianist, composer and intellectual who was among the most prominent musical figures of the early 20ᵗʰ century. Today, the 19ᵗʰ-century building is the Casa Museo (House Museum) and Music Study Center dedicated to him, a point of reference for those who wish to learn more about the life and work of the famous Empoli maestro.

The museum, established by the Municipality of Empoli in the 1960s, brings together a rich and varied heritage: manuscripts, librettos, letters, photographs and documents that trace not only Busoni’s artistic career but also the personal and professional relationships that linked him to leading figures in the European cultural scene. On display are unique items such as the manuscript of the opera Die Brautwahl (1907), the illustrated libretto with sets sketched by Karl Walzer, along with a vintage piano, a gift from the family, on which the musician practiced during his sojourns in Empoli. Alongside these relics is a marble bust sculpted by Antonini, which brings composer’s solemn image in the round.

The collection has been enriched over the years with extraordinarily valuable collections and archives. In 1992, the Center received a gift from Felice Boghen of more than 200 handwritten letters from European musicians and intellectuals of the early 20ᵗʰ century, valuable evidence of a crucial historical and cultural period. More recently, in 2019, Walter Boccaccini’s archive of stage directions was acquired, documenting over 50 years of opera productions in Italy and abroad.

The House Museum not only preserves Busoni’s memory but is also a living place of cultural production. Every year, the Ferruccio Busoni Center for Music Studies offers a prestigious concert season, bringing internationally renowned orchestras, ensembles and soloists to Empoli—including Marta Argerich, Uto Ughi, Stefano Bollani, Paolo Fresu and Salvatore Accardo.
In parallel, the Center carries out intensive educational and awareness-raising activities, with projects for schools, listening guides, music workshops and activities with youth orchestras, to bring new generations closer to cultured music in a creative and participatory way.

To visit the Casa Museo Busoni is thus to journey into the memory of one of the most innovative and visionary musicians of his time but also to enter a place that continues to nurture Empoli’s musical life and strengthen the city’s bond with its most illustrious son.

For information on accessibility: regione.toscana.it