After years of waiting, the historic Palace of the Popesses Of Sienaa symbol of Renaissance architecture, is reborn thanks to its acquisition by Opera Laboratori, becoming a new centre for international art.
This ambitious project aims to return the Palace to the centre of Italian cultural institutions with a series of exhibitions of international importance.
theopening to the public took place with the inauguration of a exhibition dedicated to the Argentine artist Julio Le Parcprecursor of kinetic art and great defender of human rights.
The Palazzo delle Papesse and its origins
The Palazzo delle Papesse, originally the historic residence of Caterina and Laudomia, sisters of Pope Pius II, has been transformed into a symbol of inclusion and participation, where space is given to art and culture.
the buildingalso known as Piccolomini Palace, Commissioned in 1459 by Caterina and Laudomia Piccolomini, sisters of Pope Pius II, Today it represents one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Siena. Galileo Galilei stayed here in 1633 after being sentenced by the Holy Office and, during his stay, made astronomical observations from the loggia of the Palace, which influenced his work on the laws of mechanics.
They are available to the public. educational activities, inclusive visits and workshops through the “Papesse Lab” project.
To participate in all events and exhibitions, Opera Laboratori has created the ““curious card”which is available online or at the Palace box office. This card will allow one 10% discount on products for sale in the bookstore, educational workshops and drinks in the bistro Located on the ground floor, where there is also a bookstore with merchandising and dedicated products. and a bistro.
The planned initiatives
The debut of this revival is set with the exhibition of around 80 works by “Julio Le Parc. The discovery of perception”, an Argentine sculptor and painter, master of kinetic art and Op Art.
This is the largest solo exhibition of the Argentine artist ever held in Italy, after his participation in the 33rd Venice Biennale in 1966, when he received the prestigious International Grand Prix for Painting.
Among other planned initiatives in 2025 A big one has been announced exhibition dedicated to the cartoonist and writer Hugo Prattfamous creator of Corto Maltese, on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of his death and the twentieth anniversary of the first exhibition in Siena.