Palazzo Bentivoglio Opens Underground Exhibition Space in Bologna

The Vacchi family, owners of Palazzo Bentivoglio in Bologna, have restored the 16th-century palace's underground rooms to create a new exhibition space for their contemporary art collection. The subterranean venue, curated by Antonio Grulli, will open on January 29 during Arte Fiera and Art City Bologna with 'Bologna Portraits,' a photography exhibition by Jacopo Benassi featuring around 200 portraits of local figures. The space will operate irregularly, activating periodically for collection-related projects. The architectural renovation by Studio Iascone blends contemporary materials with the historic setting. Benassi's project, developed over three years, captures a diverse range of subjects including artists, musicians, and everyday people, and is accompanied by a book co-authored with Grulli, published by Damiani. The collection, built over 15 years, focuses on mid-career Italian artists and site-specific installations, with works by Flavio Favelli, Luigi Ontani, Sissi, Dan Graham, and Cuoghi Corsello.