Palazzo Fogazzaro was built in 1810 for the homonymous family, based on a design by the architect Carlo Barrera (1759 – 1837) from Lugano, who was already the designer of Palazzo Garbin and was present in those years in Schio to oversee the works of the Cathedral of San Pietro. The Palace, which faces via Pasini, the old Oltreponte street known as delle Monache, falls within the typology of Palladian buildings with a portico and an overlapping loggia, reminiscent of Vincenzo Scamozzi's project for Villa Franceschini in Arcugnano. The building stands on a site previously occupied by a factory for wool carding, also owned by the Fogazzaro family, located on an ancient branch of the Roggia Maestra. The Fogazzaro, originally from Staro, moved to Schio in the early 1700s to engage in the wool industry. Their wool factory quickly became significant, being listed in 1769 among the 25 privileged factories out of the 75 then existing in Schio, and reaching an employment of about a hundred people. The client of the new palace, Mariano Fogazzaro, great-grandfather of the writer Antonio, had been mayor in 1809 and, with the events of 1815, moved to the quieter Padua, while his daughter and son-in-law remained in Schio. From its original use as a residence and storage for wool and grains, which constituted the family activities, the building went through ownership changes, was also used by Italian troops during the Great War, and later became the headquarters of various organizations and institutions, including the Royal Commissariat and the Urban Court. Purchased by the Municipality in 1948 and subjected to an initial restoration in 1960, it has hosted various institutes of higher education.
The restoration of the early 2000s involved structural consolidation, the recovery of the basement floor, the partial restoration of the frescoed hall, and the restoration of the Venetian-style floors. In 2010, the courtyard flooring was redone. It currently serves as the House of Art of the City, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, and as an information point for cultural and tourist activities. The barchesse house the Youth Information Center and a study room.
