Italian collector Attilio Rappa dies at 71, founded La collina di Loredana open-air museum in Pantelleria

Attilio Rappa, a prominent Italian art collector and accountant from Biella, died at 71 in Pantelleria, where he created La collina di Loredana, a four-hectare open-air museum dedicated to his late wife Loredana. The park features works by over 30 international contemporary artists, including Not Vital, Franz Ackermann, Tomás Saraceno, and Francesco Arena. Rappa's passion for art began in his youth and was shared with his wife. Key relationships included gallerists Franco Noero, Giuseppe Pero (1000eventi), and the founders of Galleria Continua. The couple's honeymoon in Pantelleria in 1971 led to the purchase of land that later became a nature reserve, prompting the transformation into a sculpture park. The first artwork was by Not Vital. After Loredana's death in 2006, Rappa named the park after her. The collection grows annually under Rappa's supervision with his son Vittorio, who opened a project room in Palermo during Manifesta 12. Artists like Loredana Longo recalled Rappa's determination and warmth. Gallerists including Raffaella Cortese, Franco Noero, and Francesca Minini shared memories of his enthusiasm. Alessandro Rabottini, director of miart, noted Rappa's genuine love for art. The park remains open to the public.