Seventeen artist-designed lanterns illuminate Siena's historic center in 'Assistere il buio'
So, there's this cool public art project called 'Assistere il buio,' curated by Serena Fineschi. It’s transforming seventeen historic iron lanterns in Siena into unique artworks made by contemporary artists. These lanterns, which date back to the post-war period but mimic medieval designs, are iconic to the city. The initiative kicked off on May 9, 2025, with a launch event at Palazzo delle Papesse, although the artistic changes were visible even before that and will be permanent. Each artist was given a specific lantern in different neighborhoods to promote a closer connection with the area. While supported by local organizations, two pieces by Flavio Favelli and Francesco Carone were taken down for not fitting the context. The remaining artists include notable names like Gianni Caravaggio and Sissi.
Key facts
- Project titled 'Assistere il buio' (Assisting the Darkness) curated by Serena Fineschi.
- Seventeen historic iron lanterns in Siena's historic center transformed by contemporary artists.
- Lanterns were installed post-World War II but have medieval-style design.
- Launch event on May 9, 2025, at Palazzo delle Papesse.
- Interventions are permanent and visible from early May.
- Two works by Flavio Favelli and Francesco Carone censored by Soprintendenza after installation.
- Favelli's lantern in Vicolo degli Orbachi removed for resembling a panforte advertisement.
- Carone's lantern in Vicolo Ugurgieri removed for being incongruous with the landscape.
- Project promoted by Rotary Club Siena with support from Opera Laboratori and Palazzo delle Papesse.
- Online map available for the route.
Entities
Artists
- Serena Fineschi
- Elena Bellantoni
- Bianco-Valente
- Gianni Caravaggio
- Francesco Carone
- Alice Cattaneo
- Loris Cecchini
- Fabrizio Cotognini
- Elena El Asmar
- Flavio Favelli
- Loredana Longo
- Maurizio Nannucci
- Luca Pancrazzi
- Fabrizio Prevedello
- Remo Salvadori
- Sissi
- Giovanni Termini
Institutions
- Rotary Club Siena
- Opera Laboratori
- Palazzo delle Papesse
- Comune di Siena
- Soprintendenza
- Brick Centro per la ricerca e la cultura contemporanea
Locations
- Siena
- Italy
- Vicolo degli Orbachi
- Vicolo Ugurgieri
- Via dei Percennesi
- Via Tommaso Pendola
- Vicolo dei Monelli
- Vicolo del Contino
- Vicolo di San Girolamo
- Vicolo del Trapasso
- Vicolo della Pallacorda
- Via Paparoni
- Via dell'Abbadia
- Via delle Vergini
- Vicolo del Viscione
- Via Sallustio Bandini
- Via di Fieravecchia
- Vicolo di San Clemente
- Vicolo della Fortuna/Luparello