Turin, finishes the first batch of restoration of the facade of Palazzo Madama

After more than two years of intensive work, the restoration and structural consolidation of thecentral forepart of the Juvarrian facade of Palazzo Madama, located in the heart of Turin’s Piazza Castello, has been completed. Thanks to the synergy between the Fondazione Torino Musei and the Fondazione CRT, the project saw an investment of 2.4 million euros, fully funded by the latter. The work, which began in February 2022, was carried out by Cooperativa Archeologia of Florence, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the Metropolitan City of Turin.

The restoration has engineering and scientific research, using state-of-the-art materials such as carbon fibers and special steels, which made it possible to address the structural complexities of the project with innovative, sustainable and reversible solutions. Architect Gianfranco Gritella was in charge of the works, with engineer Franco Galvagno consulting on structural works. The construction site involved more than 200 workers and aroused great interest among citizens. About 2,500 people participated in the free guided tours, taking advantage of the construction site elevators to explore the different phases of the restoration up to 28 meters above the ground. This “vertical” construction site was the first in Italy to be designed to allow visits at various heights, ensuring accessibility for all.

One of the most spectacular operations was the restoration of the four monumental marble statues from Brossasco, works by Giovanni Baratta, representing allegories of “Good Savoy Government.” The statues, more than 4 meters tall and weighing more than 3 tons each, were temporarily moved and restored to a pavilion that can be visited by the public in Piazza Castello. The restoration, directed by Dr. Cristina Arlotto, was completed in March 2023.

The restored facade will be visible in all its beauty by the end of September 2024. Work will continue in the fall with the presentation of the results of the first batch and details of the subsequent work. The overall redevelopment project, the most significant in the recent history of Palazzo Madama, includes five additional lots, four of which are to be completed by summer 2026, with a total investment of more than 11 million euros. This ambitious project is supported by the CRT Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and, for the first time, the City of Turin.

The initiative will restore the full usability of Palazzo Madama, a millennial symbol of the history of Turin and Italy. The intervention testifies to the commitment of the institutions involved in the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, reaffirming the central role of Palazzo Madama in the national historical and artistic landscape.

Turin, finishes the first batch of restoration of the facade of Palazzo Madama

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