by MARTINA VELARDI
photography FEDERICA FIORAVANTI
Antichi Vizi is a destination for odd and mysterious objects—a true wunderkammer. Old relics, skeletons, stuffed animals, and magic potions come together in an extravagant collection of vintage and rare items.
Francesca Casati, owner of Antichi Vizi, tells us more about the store’s selection and history.
How and when did you decide to open Antichi Vizi?
In 1998 my father went through a midlife crisis that led him to leave his executive job. Since he doesn’t own a driving license and could not be content with buying sports cars, he decided to open an antique shop mostly dedicated to pipes and mugs. I took over in 2009, and slowly steered the store towards becoming a cabinet of curiosities.
Can you identify a specific customer to Antichi Vizi?
We generally get men over 40, but our most enthusiastic fans are children.
How do you select each piece?
We usually follow no rule but our instinct, and we only choose objects which catch our eye.
Do you develop an emotional bond with any of these items?
The relationship with some of these objects is so close that I end up taking them to my home. And I have given a name to almost every objects there is in my store!
Given the nature of your store, you must witness odd reactions by visitors.
Indeed, when people who are scared of snakes, spiders or mice happen to set foot in the store and glance at one of the stuffed specimen we have here, they often turn around and leave the store looking terrified.
Antichi Vizi is located at Via dell’Orso 12, Milan.
