ROME.- Rome's historic Villa Borghese has unveiled the newly restored Loggia dei Vini, an elegant, oval-shaped pavilion built between 1609 and 1618 by order of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Following the first phase of a meticulous restoration, the Loggia will reopen to the public on October 19, 2024, offering free access to all visitors. Known for its ornate frescoes and stucco decorations, the Loggia once hosted summer gatherings and festivities, making it a significant cultural landmark.
The reopening event is enhanced by the contemporary art project LAVINIA, curated by Salvatore Lacagnina. Designed to interact with the space and reflect the restoration phases, the project was commissioned by Ghella and supported by the City of Rome’s Department of Culture, along with the Capitolina Superintendency for Cultural Heritage. Zètema Progetto Cultura also collaborated on the initiative.
The project was introduced during a press conference attended by Rome’s Culture Commissioner, Miguel Gotor, the Director of Historic Villas for the Capitolina Superintendency, Federica Pirani, Ghella’s Director of Institutional Relations, Matteo d’Aloja, and curator Salvatore Lacagnina.
Honoring Lavinia Fontana
The name LAVINIA is a tribute to Lavinia Fontana, one of the first female artists recognized in the history of art. Fontana’s work has been part of the Borghese Collection since the early 1600s. The exhibition, which runs until January 26, 2025, features site-specific works by renowned artists such as Ross Birrell & David Harding, Monika Sosnowska, Enzo Cucchi, Gianni Politi, Piero Golia, and Virginia Overton.
The Loggia dei Vini is part of a larger architectural complex that includes an underground grotto used for wine storage. The Loggia itself is connected to Villa Borghese's main building, the Casino Nobile, via a hidden tunnel. Though closed to the public for decades, the Loggia has now been revived after completing the first of three planned restoration phases. This initial work focused on the interior vault, including its stucco moldings and central fresco painted by Archita Ricci, which depicts The Banquet of the Gods. The restoration also addressed water damage to the pillars and repaired the access stairs.
Restoring a Roman Gem
"We are proud to reopen the Loggia dei Vini, a prestigious space within Villa Borghese, following its restoration, made possible by a generous donation from Ghella and the scientific oversight of the Capitolina Superintendency," said Commissioner Gotor. "This restoration represents an essential step in preserving our historical and artistic heritage, where contemporary art complements the restoration of public spaces. With this reopening, we further the twin cultural missions of our administration: enhancing historic sites and promoting cultural engagement," he concluded.
The restoration was carried out by R.O.M.A. Consorzio, with future work planned to restore the exterior plasterwork, repair the semi-circular entrance, and restore the terracotta flooring.
A Vision of Culture and Sustainability
Enrico Ghella, CEO of Ghella, expressed his company’s commitment to cultural patronage, stating, “We believe in the value of culture and strive to export it globally. It is an honor to contribute to the restoration of Villa Borghese, one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Our role in society goes beyond building infrastructure; we aim to promote a sustainable development model that fosters collective well-being. LAVINIA exemplifies our desire to offer artists the freedom to engage with the historic space of the Loggia dei Vini."
A Blend of Art and Experience
To further enhance the connection between visitors and the restored space, LAVINIA will feature not only contemporary art but also performances, readings, workshops, and educational activities. The goal is to create a unified narrative that allows art and history to coexist harmoniously.
In keeping with the pavilion's rich history of hosting lavish receptions, each opening of LAVINIA will be celebrated with a custom-designed ice cream flavor. The first, a blend of orange and citronella, echoes the sophisticated tastes once enjoyed in the shadowed coolness of the Loggia’s walls, inviting visitors to savor both the artistic and sensory experience.
