Reggia di Caserta opens new wing with Gran Galleria and photo exhibitions

The Reggia di Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, is opening the Gran Galleria in its northwest wing on March 1, 2024, after nearly a century of inaccessibility. The 3,000-square-meter space, recovered by the Ministry of Culture following the return of the Air Force Specialist School, will host temporary exhibitions. The opening coincides with the closing event of the Vanvitellian Celebrations on March 1–2, 2024, marking the 250th anniversary of architect Luigi Vanvitelli's death. Two photography exhibitions, collectively titled 'Visioni' and curated by Gabriella Ibello, will run from March 1 to July 15, 2024: 'Attraversamenti' by Luciano D'Inverno (born 1967 in Acerra, Naples) and 'Genius et Loci – La drammaturgia dello sguardo' by Luciano Romano (born 1958 in Naples). D'Inverno's work reinterprets the Carolino Aqueduct, while Romano's photographs celebrate Vanvitelli's architectural innovation. The photographs will be acquired for the museum's collection through the 'Strategia Fotografia' acquisition prize (second edition) from the Directorate General for Contemporary Creativity of the Ministry of Culture. The ground floor of the palace will house a conference room, a new bookshop, and educational activities, while the second floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. The expansion enhances the museum's cultural offerings and completes Vanvitelli's original design from 1751.