Five Contemporary Craft Studios Redefining Palermo's Creative Scene
Palermo is witnessing a revival in modern craftsmanship, showcased by five key businesses in ceramics, metalwork, publishing, marble design, and hospitality. Significant initiatives include the restoration of Palazzo Butera, led by architect Giovanni Cappelletti for Massimo and Francesca Valsecchi, and the upcoming Manufacto festival scheduled for next spring. Patrizia Italiano's hand-glazed vases are distributed worldwide, with her atelier near Vucciria functioning as an artist residency. Martinelli Venezia's Officine Calderai is dedicated to preserving metalwork heritage. Flavia D'Anna established The Palermitaner magazine, while Kimano Design investigates marble's possibilities. Ristorante Charleston, which opened in 1967, was the first in southern Italy to receive two Michelin stars and features ceramics by Italiano. Casena del Principe boasts stunning views.
Key facts
- Palermo's contemporary craft scene is thriving with small ateliers and design studios.
- Palazzo Butera in the Kalsa district was restored by architect Giovanni Cappelletti for Massimo and Francesca Valsecchi.
- The festival Manufacto will take place next spring in Palermo, focusing on design-oriented manufacturing.
- Ceramist Patrizia Italiano creates hand-glazed vases and anthropomorphic figures with names like Carmelina and Calogero.
- Officine Calderai is a micromuseum dedicated to metalwork, founded by Martinelli Venezia, in a former workshop of master Nino Ciminna.
- The Palermitaner is an imaginary magazine created by Flavia D'Anna and published by Forward Edizioni.
- Kimano Design, founded by Ducale Marmi in Custonaci, creates marble objects like the Steakholder series.
- Ristorante Charleston, opened in 1967, was the first in southern Italy to earn two Michelin stars and is now led by chefs Giovanni Solofra and Roberta Merolli.
Entities
Artists
- Patrizia Italiano
- Giovanni Cappelletti
- Massimo Valsecchi
- Francesca Valsecchi
- Carolina Martinelli
- Vittorio Venezia
- Nino Ciminna
- Paolo Tabbone
- Flavia D'Anna
- Diego Emanuele
- Gabriele D'Angelo
- Arciuolo Antoniali
- Giovanni Solofra
- Roberta Merolli
- Angelo Ingrao
- Giuseppe Glorioso
- Nino Glorioso
- Heinz Beck
- Prince Tomasi di Lampedusa
- Maria Callas
- Saragat
- Sergio Leone
- Gassman
- Mastroianni
- Al Pacino
Institutions
- Artribune
- Palazzo Butera
- Martinelli Venezia
- Officine Calderai
- The Palermitaner
- Forward Edizioni
- Kimano Design
- Ducale Marmi
- Margraf
- Ristorante Charleston
- St. George by Heinz Beck
- Tre Olivi di Paestum
- Casena del Principe
Locations
- Palermo
- Italy
- Gibellina
- Mondello
- Kalsa
- Filicudi
- Vucciria
- Via Calderai
- Custonaci
- Trapani
- Milan
- New York
- Tokyo
- United Arab Emirates
- Taormina
- Campania
- Paestum
- Foro Italico
- Piazza Kalsa