In the heart of Rome’s Tiburtino district, at Via dei Cluniacensi 128, the D’ARC Foundation comes to life—a new hub dedicated to contemporary art that blends industrial archaeology with artistic innovation. Born from the regeneration of a former cement factory, this project transforms a forgotten space into a cathedral of art and culture.
A Legacy of Industrial Archaeology
The former factory, a symbol of a bygone industrial era, has been revitalized through the architectural project by 3C+t Capolei Cavalli Architetti Associati and the lighting design expertise of Luce e Design S.r.l. Its nave-like structure, stretching 50 meters long and almost 6 meters high, evokes a cathedral with its monumental spaces. The original overhead cranes have been restored and now serve to transport and position artworks. The glass rear facade reveals a stunning tuff cut, isolating the building from its urban surroundings and imbuing the interior spaces with an almost mystical aura.
Architectural Transformation for Art
The Foundation spans 6,000 square meters, with a 2,000-square-meter exhibition area, artist creation workshops, a live-in atelier for artist residencies, a bistro, offices, and residential spaces. The exhibition areas are designed to accommodate large-scale works, thanks to the fluid configuration of the naves and a system of architectural partitions that traverse the spaces, offering unique perspectives for viewing the artworks.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project: the building is equipped with a photovoltaic system that meets its energy needs, making it a virtuous example of integration between art and ecological practices.
The Floridi Collection: A Journey Through History and Contemporary Art
At the heart of the Foundation is the private collection of its founders, Giovanni Floridi and Clara Datti, featuring works by Italian and international masters such as Giulio Turcato, Anselm Kiefer, Alighiero Boetti, Jannis Kounellis, Christo, and many others. Curated by Giuliana Benassi, the collection breaks away from traditional chronological sequences, fostering an innovative dialogue between historical and contemporary works.
A Cultural Hub for the Community
The D’ARC Foundation is not just an exhibition space; it is a true laboratory open to the public. In addition to exhibitions, it hosts educational activities, artist residencies, and research projects, offering the Tiburtino community an opportunity for cultural enrichment and engagement. The aim is to bring art and culture to the forefront in a peripheral area often overlooked, characterized by the neorealist architectural heritage of the 1950s.
A Beacon for Contemporary Art
The opening of the Foundation marks a significant milestone in Rome’s cultural landscape. It not only redefines the Tiburtino district as a center of culture and innovation but also offers a model of urban regeneration that bridges past and future. With versatile spaces and a visionary approach, the D’ARC – Contemporary Art Refuge aspires to become a key reference point for contemporary art, in Rome and beyond.
Useful Information
The Foundation is open to the public on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and by appointment. For more information, contact info@fondazionedarc.it. The venue is easily accessible by public transport and features on-site parking.
