Bologna's ex-church becomes circus school after restoration

The former Church of San Barbaziano in Bologna, designed by architect Pietro Fiorini in 1608, has been restored and will house a circus academy for 15 years. The restoration, completed by Studio Poggioli over five years with a public investment of about €400,000, was prompted by a competition organized by the Direzione Regionale Musei Emilia-Romagna. The building had previously served as a barn, military warehouse, mechanical workshop, and garage until 1994. During ART CITY Bologna 2025 and Arte Fiera, the church was opened for ten days featuring an installation by artist Per Barclay titled "La Strage degli Innocenti," which included a tank of black linseed oil reflecting a reproduction of Guido Reni's painting of the same name. The non-profit AICS – Associazione Italiana Cultura Sport will manage the space, with the academy named Arca – Accademia rigenerata circo e arte, designed by Diverserighestudio. The conservative restoration preserved the building's urban ruin character, maintaining traces of its history including a 1922 fire. Studio Poggioli, founded ten years ago by siblings born in Bologna, also works in product design, graphic design, and artistic direction. The project introduced contemporary elements such as corten and burnished brass finishes, while respecting the original brick and sandstone materials.