Zaha Hadid's Museum of the Mediterranean in Reggio Calabria Breaks Ground

The Museum of the Mediterranean, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, is finally set to be built in Reggio Calabria after winning an international competition in 2009. The project, part of the Regium Waterfront initiative, has secured over €120 million in funding from Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the Pon Metro Plus program. The executive design was officially awarded to Zaha Hadid Architects, with director Filippo Innocenti formalizing the act in March 2023 alongside acting mayor Paolo Brunetti and public works director Francesco Barreca. The 'Lotto zero' project will redevelop 25,000 square meters between the Falcomatà waterfront and the port, featuring the Museum of the Mediterranean and a multifunctional center. The sinuous structures, inspired by the radial symmetry of starfish, will be visible from both land and sea. The 13,400-square-meter museum complex will include a marine biology center, aquarium, restoration labs, archive, library, bar, restaurant, congress hall, and exhibition spaces. Construction will be carried out by Cobar Spa, with project manager Nilo Domanico. The broader urban regeneration aims to revitalize Reggio Calabria, improving quality of life, culture, and tourism. A pre-conference meeting was held on July 19, 2023, led by councilor Carmelo Romeo, to coordinate stakeholders. The project is intended to position Reggio Calabria as a cultural capital of the Mediterranean.