Ferrara, October 7 (askanews) – Palazzo Barbantini-Koch opens a new chapter in its history, becoming the Ferrara Cultural Center of La Galleria BPER. The historic building on Corso della Giovecca, designed in the early 20th century as the headquarters of the Cassa di Risparmio di Ferrara, is once again open to the city after a major restoration and redevelopment project.
"Our desire is for this to become a true cultural infrastructure returned to the community. For us, this is a fundamental step, fully aligned with the objectives of our business plan: we consider culture a strategic lever for deeply integrating with the territories and communities in which and with which we operate," said Fabio Cerchiai, President of BPER. The new space was created with the aim of bringing together art, architecture, and memory.
"Ferrara is enriched with a new cultural space open to the public. The building houses a permanent exhibition, a treasure trove of history and art spanning past and present: a journey that brings together the original core of the former Cassa di Risparmio, enriched by works from BPER's corporate collection. The whole is connected by a tour of the institute's historical archives, a significant documentary heritage housed inside the former Council Chamber, transformed into a meeting point between ancient and modern art to tell the building's story," added Sabrina Bianchi, Director of La Galleria BPER. The project was created with the patronage of the Municipality of Ferrara, in collaboration with the Ferrara Foundation and the Superintendency. "It is essential that governments collaborate with banking institutions, associations, and businesses.
This teamwork enriches the cultural landscape, both in terms of enjoyment and offerings. The shared goal remains service to the community: this is why today is a day of celebration, enhanced by an extraordinary display,” concluded Ferrara City Councilor for Culture Marco Gulinelli. The synergy between institutions and private individuals thus allows not only the restoration of a valuable architectural heritage, but also enriches Ferrara's cultural offering with a space for sharing and growth for residents and visitors.
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