Obra Pia: Spanish Institution Restores Historic Palaces in Italy, Launches Pop Art Project
In Rome, the non-profit Spanish organization Obra Pia Stabilimenti Spagnoli is breathing new life into historic sites with modern art. Their recent initiative, 'La Casa di Tela,' located at Piazza dei Satiri 49, showcases artist Esteban Villalta Marzi's work, which transforms a 16th-century palace into a 'total painting' inspired by his experiences during lockdown. Curated by Gianluca Marziani, this pop art display features figures like Joker and Marilyn Monroe, representing a transition from fear to hope. Celebrating the IV centenary of Palazzo di Spagna in 2022, the project is supported by the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Director Raúl Sandoval mentions that the institution finances its activities through real estate revenue, with plans for a 'Hidden Rome' tour and an exhibition space conversion.
Key facts
- Obra Pia Stabilimenti Spagnoli is a non-profit Spanish institution based in Rome.
- The institution owns and restores historic buildings in Italy, including churches and palaces.
- La Casa di Tela is a pop art project by Esteban Villalta Marzi at Piazza dei Satiri 49.
- The project transforms a 16th-century palace into a 'total painting' reflecting the artist's lockdown experience.
- The project is curated by Gianluca Marziani.
- Obra Pia is overseen by the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See.
- 2022 marks the IV centenary of Palazzo di Spagna.
- Obra Pia funds its activities solely through real estate income.
- The institution recently loaned Bernini's sculptures to Galleria Borghese and Museo del Prado.
- Future plans include a commercial space for contemporary artists and a 'Hidden Rome' tour.
- Obra Pia owns Palazzo San Giacomo, the Spanish National Church, and the Chapel of Madonna di Guadalupe.
- The institution dates back to the 11th century.
Entities
Artists
- Esteban Villalta Marzi
- Gianluca Marziani
- Barbara Alberti
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Michelangelo
- Vasari
- Antoniazzo Romano
- Sebastiano del Piombo
Institutions
- Obra Pia Stabilimenti Spagnoli
- Ambasciata di Spagna presso la Santa Sede
- Ministero degli Affari Esteri (Spain)
- Galleria Borghese
- Museo del Prado
- Sorelle della Croce
- Parrocchia di San Basilio
- Chiesa della Gancia dei Francescani Minori della Terra Santa
- Ospedale dell'Isola Tiberina dei Fratelli di San Giovanni di Dio
- Fondazione del Teatro di Pompeo
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Piazza dei Satiri 49
- Palazzo di Spagna
- Piazza Navona
- Chiesa di Santiago e di Santa Maria del Monserrato degli Spagnoli
- Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio
- Via Giulia 93
- Palermo
- Cappella della Madonna di Guadalupe
- Assisi
- Chiesa Nuova di Assisi
- Naples
- Santiago degli Spagnoli
- Gianicolo
- Vatican
- Spain