Palazzo Venezia: open-site visits during restoration

Palazzo Venezia: open-site visits during restoration

During May and June, Palazzo Venezia in Rome is offering exceptional access to the monumental halls undergoing restoration. The initiative lets visitors observe conservation work up close and follow the preparation of the new exhibition space curated by Michele De Lucchi, dedicated to "Fatto in Italia".

A bit of history

The monumental halls on the piano nobile were built after 1464 at the behest of Pietro Barbo (later Pope Paul II). Over centuries they have hosted institutional and representative functions. Their layered historic fabric, combining Renaissance and twentieth-century interventions, makes the restoration particularly complex from a conservation standpoint.

About the restoration

The intervention aims to recover the visual coherence and material integrity of ceilings, walls and painted surfaces while preserving traces of previous phases. Key operations include cleaning of wooden ceilings and gilding, consolidation of plasters and careful reintegration of mural pigments. The work is part of a broader programme that emphasizes transparency and public engagement during conservation.

Guided visit schedule

Visits are free but require prior reservation. Each session runs two morning slots:

• Saturday 2 May 2026 — 10:00 and 11:30
• Saturday 23 May 2026 — 10:00 and 11:30
• Saturday 6 June 2026 — 10:00 and 11:30
• Saturday 20 June 2026 — 10:00 and 11:30

Practical information

• Personal protective equipment will be provided to participants by the organizers.
• Access requires signing a liability release before entering the site.
• Places are limited: advance booking is mandatory.

The programme also includes a regular diary on the progress of the works and interviews with restorers explaining the methods used — from consolidation to cleaning and pictorial reintegration. The open-site approach aims to make restoration a shared, educational experience around the monument.