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Rinascente Piazza Fiume in Rome Gets €37M Renovation by Multiple Architects

architecture-design · 2026-04-27

The iconic Rinascente department store located at Piazza Fiume in Rome, which was designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg and inaugurated in 1961, is currently undergoing a renovation costing €37 million. This project is spearheaded by Fondo Megas, managed by Prelios SGR, contributing €23 million, while Rinascente adds €9 million and brand partners contribute €5 million. Renovations will persist until 2023, allowing the store to remain operational. Significant updates include facade restoration by Studio 2050+ to enhance window clarity and restore the original design. The sixth floor will host a food hall featuring a restaurant by Enoteca La Torre, with other levels showcasing various architects' designs. Additionally, the project will introduce an external elevator, a garden area, and a revamped piazza. CEO Pierluigi Cocchini expressed pride in this investment during a challenging time.

Key facts

  • Renovation budget: €37 million (€23M from Fondo Megas/Prelios SGR, €9M from Rinascente, €5M from brand partners)
  • Building designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg, opened in 1961
  • Project runs until 2023 with phased construction
  • External facade and sixth floor designed by Studio 2050+ (Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli)
  • Restaurant on sixth floor operated by Enoteca La Torre
  • Each floor assigned to a different architecture studio
  • Transparent roof added to sixth floor for outdoor effect
  • Windows restored to transparency for better inside-outside connection

Entities

Artists

  • Franco Albini
  • Franca Helg
  • Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli
  • Paolo Lucchetta
  • Marcello Bondavalli
  • Nicola Brenna
  • Carlo Alberto Tagliabue

Institutions

  • Rinascente
  • Prelios SGR
  • Fondo Megas
  • Studio 2050+
  • DWA Design Studio
  • Studio Wok
  • Fabbricanove
  • Enoteca La Torre
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Piazza Fiume
  • Via Salaria
  • Viterbo
  • Rome Tritone
  • Turin

Sources