Mario Cucinella designs new cultural hub for Palermo

Mario Cucinella Architects has announced the design for the Museo Giardino Santa Rosalia in Palermo, a project initiated by Fondazione Sicilia. This initiative aims to convert an abandoned structure in Piazza Guzzetta into a glass pavilion featuring a hanging garden that draws inspiration from Arab-Norman gardening traditions. Spanning 700 square meters, the facility will consist of two levels above ground and a basement, interconnected through elliptical shapes and a helical staircase. A pathway will connect the museum to Palazzo Branciforte. The green roof will host local fruit trees, creating an urban sanctuary. The Palermo city council has approved the construction, which is expected to take slightly over a year. This museum commemorates Santa Rosalia, whose 400th anniversary is being celebrated this year with exhibitions at Fondazione Sicilia's locations.