Rome, start of construction site for new Archaeology and Art History Library

The construction site of the new Library of Archaeology and History of Art (BiASA), Italy’s most important library for art-historical studies, has been inaugurated in Rome . It will find its new home in Palazzo San Felice, on Via della Dataria, thus not far from the historic site of Palazzo Venezia. The project for the renovation and redevelopment of Palazzo San Felice, which housed the service staff quarters of the Quirinal Palace, bears the signature of architect Mario Botta. Present at the groundbreaking ceremony was the president of the republic, Sergio Mattarella, and speakers included Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, Director of the State Property Agency Alessandra Dal Verme, and architect Botta.

The Quirinale has opened Palazzo San Felice to the community, the Ministry of Culture has financed the project, and Agenzia del Demanio, as the contracting station, is engaged in the restoration and preservation of one of our country’s most important public works, which will come back to life not only as a cultural hub, but also as an innovative tool for urban regeneration.

Architect Botta’s conservation restoration project included the enhancement and usability of the more than 8,000 square meters, including indoor and outdoor spaces, which will include 14 kilometers of shelving to place all the library and archival holdings. There will be areas dedicated to events, exhibitions and concerts, and a multipurpose hall with a transparent roof that can accommodate up to 350 people. A large interior space will welcome students and visitors who will enter the courtyard from the main street, Via della Dataria, designed as a public square that opens toward the city and will offer various services.

The redevelopment of Palazzo San Felice will allow the transfer of the entire book and archival holdings of one of Italy’s most prestigious public libraries, today kept between Palazzo Venezia and the Sala della Crociera of the Collegio Romano, to a more functional and modern location, where scholars and enthusiasts will be able to educate themselves, exchange ideas and browse through the precious volumes and documents dedicated to art and archaeology. Located on Via della Dataria, formerly known as “strada o salita di Montecavallo,” Palazzo San Felice was built in 1860 at the behest of Pope Pius IX by architect Filippo Martinucci on the area where the Capuchin Convent annexed to the Church of St. Bonaventure previously stood. The building is named after the Capuchin friar Felice da Cantalice and was used until a few years ago as housing for the Quirinal.

“The move to Palazzo San Felice,” Minister Sangiuliano says, “will make the library more accessible to visitors, scholars and researchers from around the world, helping to promote knowledge and protection of Italy’s archaeological and historical-artistic heritage. The new premises will be equipped with larger and more modern spaces that will allow the rich library holdings to be housed more efficiently and functionally. In addition, the library will be located in a prominent historical context, positioning the renovated facility as a center of research and culture on an international level.”

For Director Dal Verme, “the State Property Agency, as the contracting station, worked in close synergy with the Ministry of Culture to respond to the idea of the President of the Republic to transform Palazzo San Felice into a place of cultural attractiveness, home to the new Library of Archaeology and Art History. All this in continuity with the renovated Quirinal Stables, in the heart of an area that houses the most significant historical assets of the city of Rome. The Agency, together with the Ministry of Culture, has made great efforts to get to today’s stage of opening the construction site, and our promise is that we will continue with the same diligence to deliver on time the work to the city. The project, extraordinarily conceived by architect Mario Botta, is a model for the Agency for the redevelopment of listed property that combines the memory of our culture with the opportunities of modernity.”

Pictured is a rendering of the project.

Rome, start of construction site for new Archaeology and Art History Library

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