Banca Ifis acquires Palazzo San Pantalon in Venice, plans restoration of Banksy mural and youth art space
Banca Ifis has acquired Palazzo San Pantalon, a historic 17th-century structure located in the Santa Croce area of Venice, from San Pantalon srl. This building features Banksy's mural 'The Migrant Child,' which has suffered from deterioration. In October 2023, restoration plans were initiated with the help of former Undersecretary of Culture Vittorio Sgarbi, who secured funding from Banca Ifis. Initially, the Soprintendenza di Venezia rejected a protective case for the project but later approved it. Restoration work is set to commence in April 2024, with various options for the mural's future. Banca Ifis intends to revamp the 400-square-meter space for its Venetian office and a public exhibition area, aiming for completion in 2025.
Key facts
- Banca Ifis purchased Palazzo San Pantalon in Venice from San Pantalon srl.
- The building dates to the 17th century and is located in the Santa Croce district.
- Banksy painted 'The Migrant Child' on its facade during the 2019 Venice Biennale preview.
- The mural has deteriorated due to humidity, high water, and salt.
- Former Undersecretary of Culture Vittorio Sgarbi facilitated restoration plans in October 2023.
- Restoration of the mural will begin in April 2024.
- Banca Ifis prefers to keep the mural in its original location with a glass protective case.
- The building has 400 square meters over two floors, plus an altana and inner courtyard.
- After renovation, it will house Banca Ifis's Venetian office and an exhibition space for young street artists.
- Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
- Banca Ifis President Ernesto Fürstenberg Fassio announced the acquisition and plans.
- The bank's Social Impact Lab Kaleidos has sponsored the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale for three years.
- Banca Ifis created the Parco Internazionale di Scultura in Villa Fürstenberg's garden, opening next spring with works by twelve artists and Nico Vascellari's 'Horse Power.'
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
- Nico Vascellari
Institutions
- Banca Ifis
- Soprintendenza di Venezia
- Social Impact Lab Kaleidos
- Biennale di Venezia
- Padiglione Italia
- Parco Internazionale di Scultura
- Villa Fürstenberg
- San Pantalon srl
Locations
- Venezia
- Venice
- Italy
- Santa Croce
- Palazzo San Pantalon