Fondazione Rovati opens first spaces in Milan, museum to debut in September

The Fondazione Luigi Rovati in Milan has opened its garden, exhibition pavilion, conference room, study room, bookshop, café-bistrot, and restaurant on July 6, 2022. Designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, the spaces include site-specific works by Mauro Ceolin, Andrea Sala, Giulio Paolini, William Kentridge, Francesco Jodice, and Thomas Ruff. The bistrot and restaurant are designed by Flaviano Capriotti and run by chef Andrea Aprea. The full museum, combining Etruscan artifacts and contemporary art, will open in September 2022 with free admission for the first month. The foundation, established in 2016, occupies the 19th-century Palazzo Bocconi-Rizzoli-Carraro on Corso Venezia. The underground museum will feature serpentine forms and pietra serena stone, displaying the Etruscan collection. Contemporary works by Luigi Ontani, Giulio Paolini, Francesco Simeti, and others will be shown alongside archaeological finds. The bookshop Johan & Levi offers titles on archaeology, art, and design, plus design objects by Mario Cucinella and Marianna Kennedy. The foundation aims to be a cultural hub open to the city, with public events starting July 6, including weekly talks with president Giovanna Forlanelli Rovati and architect Cucinella. Director Monica Loffredo emphasizes community engagement, while chef Aprea plans to open the bar from 8 am with affordable coffee and croissants.