Bergamo's 14th-century Celestini complex becomes new home for Politecnico delle Arti

On March 6, 2026, the Politecnico delle Arti di Bergamo finalized the acquisition of the ex-Celestini complex, a 14th-century monastic building in the Borgo Santa Caterina district. The institution, which unites the Conservatorio Donizetti and the Accademia di Belle Arti Carrara, will transform the historic site into a new hub for music education. The purchase, signed by president Giorgio Berta, closed after a 60-day state preemption period expired. The total investment is approximately €7 million: €5 million from a Cassa Depositi e Prestiti loan and €2 million from the institution's own resources. The acquisition unlocks an additional €9.5 million from the Ministry of University and Research for renovation. The project aims to complete by December 31, 2028, aligning with the lease expiry of the current Via Palazzolo location. The ex-Celestini complex, originally built in the 1300s for the Celestine order, later housed the Sacramentine sisters. The Politecnico delle Arti was established on January 1, 2023, as Italy's only institution of its kind, merging the Istituto Superiore di Studi Musicali 'Gaetano Donizetti' (founded 1806 by Johann Simon Mayr) and the Accademia di Belle Arti 'Giacomo Carrara' (founded 1794 by Count Giacomo Carrara).