Intesa Sanpaolo Opens New Gallery in Prato's Palazzo degli Alberti

Intesa Sanpaolo has opened a new gallery at Palazzo degli Alberti in Prato, displaying 90 works from the former Banca Popolare di Vicenza collection. The collection, which includes pieces by Giovanni Bellini, Caravaggio, Filippo Lippi, and Bronzino, was originally assembled by Cassa di Risparmio di Prato. Intesa Sanpaolo acquired the palazzo in 2017 after Banca Popolare di Vicenza's bankruptcy, renovating it for exhibition use. The gallery opened on March 25, 2022, and is curated by Lia Brunori of the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio for Florence, Pistoia, and Prato. The exhibition follows a chronological order from early 15th-century frescoed tabernacles to 20th-century works. All works are destined for auction due to the bankruptcy, but the buyer cannot split the collection or remove it from Prato. Intesa Sanpaolo is seen as the ideal buyer. Michele Coppola, Executive Director of Arte, Cultura e Beni Storici at Intesa Sanpaolo, emphasized the bank's commitment to cultural heritage.