San Gimignano's ex-prison to become multifunctional cultural hub by 2027
In spring 2027, the San Domenico complex in San Gimignano will be transformed into ExCelle, a multifunctional center, after years of neglect. This site, which dates back to the 14th century and was a Dominican convent, functioned as a prison from 1833 until 1995. The initiative is a collaboration between the Tuscany Region and the Municipality of San Gimignano, with Opera Laboratori managing the project under a 69-year concession. Construction commenced in January 2024, allocating two-thirds of the space for cultural endeavors, including a Digital Art Museum, and one-third for hospitality services. The €25 million initiative seeks to redistribute tourist traffic and establish a production center. Tuscany President Eugenio Giani and Mayor Andrea Marrucci highlighted its cultural importance.
Key facts
- San Domenico complex occupies about 10% of San Gimignano's historic center
- Originally a 14th-century Dominican convent, suppressed in 1787
- Served as a prison from 1833 to 1995
- Co-owned by Tuscany Region and Municipality of San Gimignano
- Opera Laboratori selected as concessionaire for 69 years via European tender
- Project financing model adopted since 2018
- Works began in January 2024
- Two-thirds of complex for cultural activities, one-third for hospitality
- Includes underground Digital Art Museum, event area, conference spaces, panoramic walkways
- Architectural intervention by ArDeMo studio
- €25 million regeneration project
- Aims to rebalance tourist flows and extend visitor stays
- Will host exhibitions, immersive installations, performances, concerts, conferences
- Eugenio Giani mentioned Savonarola and Dante visited the site
- Mayor Andrea Marrucci called it a return of the city's soul
Entities
Artists
- Girolamo Savonarola
- Dante Alighieri
Institutions
- Regione Toscana
- Comune di San Gimignano
- Opera Laboratori
- ArDeMo
- Artribune
Locations
- San Gimignano
- Siena
- Tuscany
- Italy
- Florence
- Livorno
- Val d'Elsa