Rai's Venetian Palazzo Labia with Tiepolo frescoes put up for sale
Rai's plan to divest from real estate included Palazzo Labia, an esteemed 18th-century structure in Venice, prior to receiving the necessary approval for its sale. The Ministry of Culture later sanctioned the sale, stipulating conditions to safeguard the palace and its artistic legacy, which features frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo. In April, Palazzo Labia was listed among 15 properties that Rai aims to sell, with the deadline for expressions of interest set for May 22. On August 31, the Ministry assembled a regional commission to review the sale, ultimately granting approval with strict conditions. The sale, intended to generate between 200-250 million euros, faces challenges due to concerns regarding archives and local political opposition.
Key facts
- Palazzo Labia, a Rai property in Venice, was put up for sale in April as part of a package of 15 properties.
- The Ministry of Culture's authorization for the sale was granted only after the market process had begun, on August 31.
- The palace contains a cycle of frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, considered among his masterpieces.
- The sale is subject to stringent conditions to protect the building's historical-artistic integrity and its current use as a TV center.
- The Archival Superintendency of Veneto opposed the sale until the archives' contents are fully defined.
- Rai aims to raise between 200 and 250 million euros from the sale of the 15 properties.
- A change of use for hospitality or other purposes would be required, but the Municipality of Venice has ruled it out.
- Local political resistance opposes the sale and relocation of the Rai office.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Rai
- Ministry of Culture
- Il Fatto Quotidiano
- Dagospia
- Superintendency of Veneto
- Archival Superintendency of Veneto
- Municipality of Venice
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Genoa
- Milan
- Florence
- Rome
- Venezia Santa Lucia station