(June 23, 2016) France discovers the ‘new’ Palazzo Butera: one of the most fascinating and historically rich buildings in Sicily. This evening at the Italian Cultural Institute in Paris will host the event “The rebirth of Palazzo Butera in Palermo”. Abandoned and neglected for decades, the building is one of the most renowned buildings of the Sicilian aristocracy, and today it has the chance to take on a second life. It owes its transformation to the businessman, Massimo Valsecchi, a philanthropist and art collector who bought the ruined palace together with his wife. A visionary engineer supported him in this ‘adventure’, Marco Giammona, who had already brought the Palazzo Sambuca back to life situated in one of the old Arab neighbourhoods, Kalsa, in Palermo. Accompanied by the film director and Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Culture in Palermo Andrea Cusumano, they will illustrate to the ICI audience in Paris, all the phases of their project in conserving and restoring this great building that is a key testimony to the history of Palermo and of Sicily. Its spaces were created to include private residences and public exhibitions. It is known for its monumental façade that looks out towards the sea, its terrace overlooking the Gulf of Palermo. Palazzo Butera welcomes visitors with open arms. After this gathering, it will also welcome new French tourists. (Red)
