Sgarbi's Campaign Against Palazzo dei Diamanti Extension Sparks Counter-Petition
Led by Vittorio and Elisabetta Sgarbi, Fondazione Cavallini Sgarbi has initiated a petition against the proposed €3.5 million expansion of Palazzo dei Diamanti, a UNESCO heritage site located in Ferrara. The expansion, designed by 3TI PROGETTI, Labics, architect Elisabetta Fabbri, and Vitruvio s.r.l., includes a 660 sqm glass pavilion in the garden. With over 1,600 signatures, the petition asserts that the project would 'suffocate' the building's connection to its surroundings. Among the signatories are journalists, critics, mayors, and former Culture Minister Massimo Bray. The expansion aims to establish a cultural hub, which includes the restoration of Palazzo Massari by ADBR Architetti Associati, set to begin in June 2019 with funding from state Ducato funds. A counter-petition from designers has also garnered additional signatures.
Key facts
- Petition launched by Fondazione Cavallini Sgarbi on Change.org opposes €3.5M expansion of Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara.
- Project won by consortium of 3TI PROGETTI, Labics, Elisabetta Fabbri, and Vitruvio s.r.l. in international competition with 70 participants.
- Proposed addition is a lightweight glass pavilion of 660 sqm in the adjacent garden, designed as a reversible structure.
- Petition has over 1,600 signatures, including notable figures like Massimo Bray, Paolo Portoghesi, Mario Botta, and Mario Bellini.
- Some signatories were reportedly unaware of project details.
- Counter-petition by designers quickly surpassed original in signatures.
- Expansion is part of a larger plan to create a new cultural hub in Ferrara, including restoration of Palazzo Massari.
- Ministry of Culture under Alberto Bonisoli may intervene via Director General Famiglietti.
Entities
Artists
- Vittorio Sgarbi
- Elisabetta Sgarbi
- Biagio Rossetti
- Paolo Portoghesi
- Pier Luigi Cerri
- Pierluigi Cervellati
- Mario Botta
- Mario Bellini
- Massimo Bray
- Tiziano Tagliani
- Alberto Bonisoli
- Famiglietti
- Valentina Silvestrini
- Massimiliano Tonelli
Institutions
- Fondazione Cavallini Sgarbi
- Change.org
- Italia Nostra
- 3TI PROGETTI
- Labics
- Vitruvio s.r.l.
- Comune di Ferrara
- Ministero dei beni culturali
- ADBR Architetti Associati
- Artribune
- UNESCO
Locations
- Ferrara
- Emilia Romagna
- Italy
- Palazzo dei Diamanti
- Palazzo Massari
- Palazzina Cavalieri di Malta
- Castello Estense
- Palazzo Prosperi Sacrati