Cuneo's New Esseci Cultural Hub Opens in Restored Santa Croce Hospital
From September 26 to 29, 2026, the city of Cuneo will unveil Esseci, a cultural center situated in the renovated 18th-century former hospital of Santa Croce, crafted by Isolarchitetti. This facility will include the Biblioteca Civica di Cuneo, areas for reading, a café, laboratories, event spaces, and a courtyard. The name Esseci not only honors Santa Croce but also hints at 'Storia' and 'Cultura.' Hellobarrio designed the brand identity, drawing inspiration from the building's windows. Community members, particularly young people, contributed to the design and naming of various areas. The new library will accommodate over 350,000 books. The opening event will feature 'Lettori in cammino,' a book parade on September 26, organized by Dispari Teatro. Cristina Clerico remarked on the project's journey from logistical considerations to a broader cultural vision.
Key facts
- Esseci opens September 26-29, 2026 in Cuneo
- Located in the restored ex-hospital of Santa Croce, an 18th-century complex
- Renovation designed by Isolarchitetti
- Will house the Biblioteca Civica di Cuneo
- Includes reading/study spaces, café, labs, events, and internal courtyard
- Name Esseci references Santa Croce initials and 'Storia' and 'Cultura'
- Brand identity by Hellobarrio, inspired by building's windows
- Participatory process led to naming 'Esseci Biblioteca' and 'Esseci Lab'
- Over 350,000 volumes will be transferred to the new library
- Opening parade 'Lettori in cammino' on September 26, coordinated by Dispari Teatro
- Parade features 15 groups and 'blind books'
- Cristina Clerico is Cuneo's culture councilor
- Reading Forward initiative curated by Fondazione Artea informed the project
Entities
Artists
- Isolarchitetti
- Hellobarrio
- Dispari Teatro
- Cristina Clerico
Institutions
- Esseci
- Biblioteca Civica di Cuneo
- Fondazione Artea
- Artribune
Locations
- Cuneo
- Italy