Writer Amor Towles finds inspiration in a visit to one of his favorite places in The Met, the magical studiolo from the Ducal Palace in Gubbio. For Towles, The Met is not just one museum, but many.
You can visit the Gubbio Studiolo yourself in our European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries.

Studiolo from the Ducal Palace in Gubbio, ca. 1478–82. Designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (Italian, 1439–1501), Executed under the supervision of Francesco di Giorgio Martini (Italian, 1439–1501), Executed in the workshop of Giuliano da Maiano (Italian, 1432–1490) and Benedetto da Maiano (Italian, 1442–1497). Walnut, beech, rosewood, oak, and fruitwoods in walnut base, 15 ft. 11 in. x 16 ft. 12 in. x 12 ft. 7 1/4 in. (485 x 518 x 384 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1939 (39.153)