Revitalizing History: The Santa Caterina Museum Project

Edoardo Gherardi's Award-Winning Restoration Breathes New Life into an Italian Cultural Heritage

The Santa Caterina Museum complex, a 14th-century church and convent, had been plagued by various structural issues, including infiltrations, roof collapses, masonry cracks, and inadequate reception services for its high number of visitors. Gherardi's mission was to address these problems, clarify the functional areas of the complex, and create spaces for international events.

The project was carried out in three phases, each with the overarching aim of regenerating a large part of the complex and adapting it to high-level exhibition standards. Gherardi and his team worked on structural problems, clarified functional areas, redefined interior paths, and created spaces for international events. The result is a museum complex that seamlessly blends history with contemporary design, creating a unique visitor experience.

The first two phases involved the renovation of the Ex Scuderie and Pinacoteca, where new environments were created that respected the historical features of the building. The third phase focused on the underground hall, where the team worked to eliminate constant water infiltration and restore the finishes. The result is a series of rooms conceived as boxes within a box, each compartmentalized to preserve climate control and security.

Throughout the project, Gherardi and his team faced numerous challenges. Working within a historic building required a high level of care and attention to preserve the existing structure while adapting it to contemporary needs. The team's approach was one of lightness, with silent and hidden interventions that allowed the richness of the historical space to shine through.

The Santa Caterina Museum project is a shining example of how innovative design can breathe new life into historic spaces. Through careful planning and execution, Gherardi and his team have created a museum complex that not only preserves the rich history of the building but also enhances it for the enjoyment of future generations.