Simone Verde's Revolutionary Plan for Parma's Pilotta Complex
Since February, Simone Verde, who was appointed by Minister Franceschini as one of Italy's 'super-directors,' has been revitalizing the Pilotta complex in Parma. This historic site, originally constructed by the Farnese and Bourbon dukes, is undergoing a project aimed at restoring its former cohesion, which had been disrupted by separate institutions. Significant efforts include the cleaning of the monumental staircase, the restoration of the terracotta flooring, and the addition of new lighting. Areas like the Guazzatoio and Cavallerizza courtyards, once off-limits, are now accessible. In the Galleria Nazionale, Verde has reorganized artworks, showcasing Canova's Maria Luigia. The archaeological museum is also undergoing reconfiguration. Most renovations have been completed at a low cost, with plans for a fundraiser, a bookshop, café, and restaurant, and approximately thirty events scheduled by the end of the year.
Key facts
- Simone Verde was appointed super-director by Minister Franceschini and arrived in Parma in February.
- The Pilotta complex was built by the Farnese and Bourbon dukes to house court services.
- Before Verde, each institution within the complex had its own director and separate ticket.
- Verde's project aims to restore the original unity of the complex.
- The monumental staircase was cleaned up to 19 meters using a drone.
- The theater atrium received new lighting and thorough cleaning.
- Previously inaccessible courtyards (Guazzatoio and Cavallerizza) have been opened.
- In the Galleria Nazionale, Verde rehung Leonardo da Vinci's work and gave prominence to Canova's Maria Luigia.
- The archaeological museum was cleared for a new layout.
- Most interventions were completed at zero or minimal cost; e.g., glass replacement cost €160 instead of €3,500.
- Verde plans to hire a full-time fundraiser and create a bookshop, café, and restaurant.
- The Bodoni museum will be relocated from the sixth floor to the ground floor.
- A new entrance for the library will be created.
- The complex will host about thirty events, including performances and concerts, by the end of the year.
Entities
Artists
- Simone Verde
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Antonio Canova
- Correggio
- Giulio Camillo
- Samuel Quiccheberg
- Ennemond Alexandre Petitot
- Valadier
- Toschi
- Bettoli
Institutions
- Complesso monumentale della Pilotta
- Galleria Nazionale di Parma
- Biblioteca Palatina
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Parma
- Museo Bodoniano
- Soprintendenza
- Artribune
- Ministero della Cultura (Franceschini)
Locations
- Parma
- Italy
- Pilotta
- Guazzatoio courtyard
- Cavallerizza courtyard
- Galleria dell'Incoronata
- Palazzo Farnese di Piacenza
- Sabbioneta
- Musei Vaticani