A new chapter has begun for the site, reclaiming its historical role as a space devoted to nature and culture. The Villa aims to become a cultural hub for the city, growing more welcoming and accessible to the public.
This morning, the project for the restoration and enhancement of the Villa della Regina museum complex was unveiled, marking a collaborative effot between the General Directorate for Museums, the Royal Savoy Residences and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo.
The official presentation of the redevelopment plan took place in the Villa della Regina’s Great Hall, with institutional representatives and experts in attendance. The event was opened by Roberto Vannata, Head of Department II – National Museum System of the General Directorate for Museums, followed by speeches from Filippo Masino, Director of the Royal Savoy Residences, Cristina Lucca from the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the metropolitan city of Turin, Sara Lyla Mantica, Director of Villa della Regina, designers Salvatore Simonetti and Federico Fontana and the Secretary General of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo Alberto Anfossi who stated:
“We are once again partnering with the Ministry of Culture on a project that we are confident will be of great importance to Turin, setting a national benchmark. Our commitment is to strategically support public institutions in the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, not just with financial resources, but by providing additional expertise to ensure the smooth execution of the project. Our goal is to create the conditions for a sustainable and well-planned long-term management of heritage, maximising the impact of these interventions. With the Villa della Regina, we aim to support a path that blends conservation, innovation and development, providing concrete tools for the revitalisation of one of the most remarkable Savoy residences.”
The project is part of a broader strategic vision to transform the Villa into a sustainable museum model and a cultural landmark for the entire community.
At the heart of the presentation was the “Vigna della Regina. Feasibility Study for a Sustainable Museum” masterplan, donated by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo to the Royal Savoy Residences.
This document, created by a team of professionals led by architects Salvatore Simonetti and Federico Fontana, outlines an ambitious programme of interventions aimed at redeveloping and enhancing the cultural complex. It also seeks to integrate the Villa with the ongoing projects funded by the NRRP through the General Directorate for Museums and the Royal Savoy Residences.
Specifically, the masterplan focuses on three key areas of intervention,
the first of which is the restoration of the historic green spaces, intended to restore the balance between formal gardens and agricultural areas. This project includes the restoration of vegetable gardens and orchards, the removal of weeds and the renovation of the Casa del Vignolante, which will be transformed into a space for educational workshops on environmental sustainability.
As part of the improvement of open-access areas, the entrance avenue will be landscaped to enhance both accessibility and the overallwelcoming experience. Additionally, in the area where Palazzo Chiablese once stood, a modern steel and glass structure will be built to house a panoramic café with stunning views of the city.
Renovation of the residence and museum: restoration of both facades and interiors will allow the upper floors of the Villa to be reopened. These newly renovated spaces will host exhibitions, cultural activities and training courses focused on art and sustainability.
The plan also includes measures to improve accessibility and promote sustainable mobility, such as the reorganisation of the parking area and the addition of a new local public transport stop.
Thanks to the collaboration between public institutions and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Villa della Regina is set to become a centre of cultural and environmental excellence, seamlessly blending history, innovation and sustainability to return a place of immeasurable value to the community.