Rome's Quadriennale to Move into Historic Papal Arsenal

The Quadriennale di Roma will relocate to the ex-Arsenale Clementino Pontificio di Ripa Grande, an 18th-century papal arsenal on the Tiber River. A 20-year agreement between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage (MiBACT) and the Quadriennale Foundation, signed by Minister Dario Franceschini, Secretary General Carla Di Francesco, Director General Federica Galloni, and Quadriennale President Franco Bernabè, allocates €7 million for the project. The Ministry will handle extraordinary maintenance, while the Foundation will develop a cultural program focused on contemporary art and emerging Italian artists. The arsenal, built under Pope Clement XI, spans over 1,000 square meters and features two naves with pointed arches and a gabled roof bearing Clement XI's coat of arms. It served as a shipyard for the papal fleet until the late 19th century, later falling into disuse and used as a construction materials depot. MiBACT included the site in its 2015 'Grandi Progetti Beni culturali' strategic plan. No architectural or exhibition plans have been announced yet, and it is unclear if the space will be ready for the 2020 Quadriennale. The Foundation is now led by new director Sarah Cosulich.