The latter was originally designed by Avanzini and Gaspare Vigarani [de] as a large rectangular "pool" surrounded by a boundary wall in the form of a ruined amphitheatre, for which it earned its sobriquet the "Fontanazzo" (Rough Fountain).

[3] Highlights of the complex also include larger-than-life fountain sculptures based on the designs of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Renaissance fresco fragments by Nicolò dell’Abbate recovered from the Scandiano palace in Reggio Emilia.

Restoration of the piano nobile in 2001 has allowed the palace to be equally used as a space for contemporary art exhibitions, fusing past and present.

The gilded reliefs previously framing the duke's favourite artworks shall house various minimalist pieces donated by the Panza collection until 2103.

· The Musicians of the Scandiano Room of Paradise frescoes by Nicolò dell’Abbate · Baptism of Christ by Luigi Anguissola · Portrait of Francesco II d’Este by Andrea Baratta (nicknamed "the monkey") · Allegory of Music; Ten Virtues by Jean Boulanger · Thank you; Going home; Family; Under the shadow by Lawrence Carroll · Religious effigies by Pierfrancesco Cittadini · Market scene with fish and meat seller with Christ in Martha’s house attributed to Flemish school.