Venaria Reale: CCR opens a centre of excellence for cultural heritage

Venaria Reale: CCR opens a centre of excellence for cultural heritage research

In Venaria Reale the former Galoppatoio Lamarmora is being redeveloped into a new centre dedicated to diagnostics and conservation of cultural heritage, promoted by the CCR with support from the Piedmont Region. The initiative is part of the wider enhancement plan for the Reggia di Venaria, a UNESCO site.

The project was publicly presented on 3 March 2026 and construction work has since started to adapt the historic building for scientific activities and public engagement.

• Investment: €3.5 million, included in the Ministry of Culture’s 2026–2028 programme.
• Area: about 600 m² across two levels.
• Use: eight scientific laboratories and a public exhibition and outreach area on the ground floor; meeting room, library and research offices on the first floor; shared spaces for interdisciplinary networking.
• Main functions: material diagnostics, chemical and physical analyses, preventive conservation and specialist services for museums and cultural institutions.
• Public services: an exhibition path showing research and restoration processes, plus training activities for students, professionals and cultural operators.

The centre aims to strengthen the scientific and cultural role of the area, encourage collaborations with universities and research centres, create job opportunities and increase the Reggia’s cultural attractiveness. Upcoming phases include structural works, systems upgrades and laboratory outfitting, with procurement procedures planned in the coming months.

Source: Italianos de Argentina (article by Giulia Contini, 24 March 2026).