Santa Maria della Scala: new masterplan, three architecture studios, and a 2026 exhibition
At a recent press conference, Cristiano Leone, the president of the Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala in Siena, shared upcoming initiatives. Under the leadership of director Chiara Valdambrini, the foundation has successfully raised funds and initiated projects, including the third edition of the Xenos performance festival centered on relationships. An exhibition titled "Santa Caterina da Siena, estasi e ardore" is set to debut in late November. Jacob Hashimoto's piece "Path to the Sky" has been showcased at MoMA San Francisco, while "Wagner, Parsifal e l'Italia" will be displayed at the Richard Wagner Museum in Bayreuth. A strategic masterplan, led by Luca Molinari Studio, aims to rejuvenate 18,000 of the total 38,000 square meters. An exhibition in May 2026 will unveil this masterplan, featuring designs from Hannes Peer Architecture, Studio Odile Decq, and LAN Architecture. Approximately one million euros has been allocated by the Ministry of Culture for restoration efforts.
Key facts
- Cristiano Leone is president of the Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala.
- Leone took office in January 2024.
- Chiara Valdambrini is the director.
- Third edition of Xenos festival focuses on relation.
- Exhibition 'Santa Caterina da Siena, estasi e ardore' opens late November.
- Jacob Hashimoto's 'Path to the Sky' is now at MoMA San Francisco.
- Exhibition 'Wagner, Parsifal e l'Italia' will travel to Richard Wagner Museum Bayreuth.
- Masterplan coordinated by Luca Molinari Studio.
- About 18,000 sq m of 38,000 sq m complex to be reactivated.
- May 2026 exhibition to present masterplan.
- Hannes Peer Architecture designs interiors including a library.
- Studio Odile Decq designs auditorium.
- LAN Architecture designs museum and archaeological displays.
- LAN Architecture also works on MAXXI expansion in Rome.
- Ministry of Culture allocated about 1 million euros.
- Giancarlo De Carlo and Guido Canali previously worked on the site.
Entities
Artists
- Jacob Hashimoto
- Giancarlo De Carlo
- Guido Canali
Institutions
- Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala
- MoMA San Francisco
- Richard Wagner Museum Bayreuth
- Luca Molinari Studio
- Hannes Peer Architecture
- Studio Odile Decq
- LAN Architecture
- MAXXI
- Ministero della Cultura
Locations
- Siena
- Italy
- San Francisco
- United States
- Bayreuth
- Germany
- Rome