A contemporary art space and paper archive founded in 1997 by Gianfranco Composti, offering free access to one of Italy’s most comprehensive collections of art and photography catalogues from the 1960s onward.
At a glance
Ca’ di Fra’ functions as a dual-purpose institution: a gallery for contemporary art and a specialized paper archive. The collection spans decades of art historical documentation, serving researchers, curators, and private collectors without charge.
History
Gianfranco Composti established Ca’ di Fra’ in 1997, continuing a lineage rooted in the historic Toselli Gallery & Co., which Composti had previously led alongside Franco Toselli. The new venture was conceived as a container for both his contemporary art collection and an extensive paper archive.
What you see
The gallery occupies a modest urban location in Milano’s Farini district. Its character derives from its dual function: exhibition space for contemporary works alongside carefully organized archival materials spanning art and photography documentation.
Cultural significance
Ca’ di Fra’ preserves a unique research resource with no public funding. The paper archive represents one of Italy’s largest privately held collections of art catalogues, making it invaluable for scholars studying contemporary art history from the 1960s to present. Free access distinguishes it as a genuinely open resource for the cultural community.
Key facts
- Founded: 1997
- Address: Via Carlo Farini, 2, 20154 Milano
- Coordinates: 45.4827594, 9.1815651
- Phone: 02 2900 2108
- Website: https://cadifra.weebly.com/
Practical information
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:00. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Consultation of the archive is free and available to researchers, museums, and private individuals. Advance contact is recommended.
Getting there
The gallery is located on Via Carlo Farini in central Milano. Check the website or phone ahead to confirm current hours and to arrange archive access, particularly for first visits.
Sources & resources
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