LAVINIA at Villa Borghese

Ross Birrell & David Harding, Enzo Cucchi, Piero Golia, Virginia Overton, Gianni Politi, Monika Sosnowska 

curated by Salvatore Lacagnina

Designed to engage with the Loggia dei Vini’s setting and all phases of its restoration, LAVINIA opens the dialogue between historic and contemporary.

The project is realized by Ghella and promoted by Roma Capitale, Assessorato della Cultura, and Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura.

The name LAVINIA pays homage to Lavinia Fontana, one of the first female artists to be recognized by the canons of art history, whose work became part of the Borghese collection in the early 16th century.   The project will showcase site-specific works by artists Ross Birrell & David Harding, Monika Sosnowska, Enzo Cucchi, Gianni Politi, Piero Golia, and Virginia Overton until January 26th, 2025.

“We believe in the value of culture and are dedicated to promoting it globally. It’s a great honor to contribute to the restoration within Villa Borghese, one of the world’s most beautiful parks. I believe our role in society extends beyond the contruction of infrastructure; we aspire to champion a new, more sustainable development model that fosters collective well-being. LAVINIA embodies our commitment to providing artists the freedom to engage with the Loggia dei Vini,” stated Enrico Ghella, President and CEO.

To further enrich the restoration project and foster engagement with the Loggia, the space will host a range of performances, readings, workshops, and educational activities, all woven into a unified narrative.

LAVINIA aspires to silently permeate the everyday, addressing those who stroll in the park, straying away from any form of «auctoritas». It questions and tests the boundaries of public art and tradition, the relationship between art and architecture, unlocking the power of storytelling.  

In this atmospheric venue, historically a cool, shaded retreat for gatherings, fine wines and sorbets were served, echoing that  each LAVINIA inauguration will be paired with a unique ice cream flavor crafted for the occasion. The first flavor will be “orange and lemon verbena.”

LAVINIA
Loggia dei vini, Villa Borghese
Access from via Pinciana 18
00197 Rome

OPENING TIMES 
Thursday–Sunday
09.00am–05.00pm

CONTACT 
laviniaroma.com
info@laviniaroma.com
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Photos credit Monkeys Video Lab, Daniele Marzorati, Francesca Senatore