giorgia cerulli turns convent into sacripante art gallery

giorgia cerulli turns 18th century roman convent into rustic art gallery
all images by serena eller

the sacripante gallery dedicated to the lowbrow art movement inhabits a former 18th century convent in rome’s ancient monti neighborhood. designed by giorgia cerulli, the interior spaces feature uncovered plastered walls, exposed cement flooring, and oak beamed ceilings. although the gallery takes its name from the cardinal who commissioned the building, the word ‘sacripante’ also translates as an exclamation of amazement and wonder — emotions that the design team were eager to convey. it was in this neighborhood where enrico fermi — the italian physicist who created the world’s first nuclear reactor — discovered the slow neutron in 1934. consequently, a focal point of the design is a small bar influenced by both old pharmacies and american speakeasies. drinks are served in original glasses dating from the 1920s and 30s, with a range of potion bottles on display.

interior spaces feature uncovered plastered walls and oak beamed ceilings

in deliberate contrast to the prevalent spread of white cube galleries, the rustic space fuses baroque interior design with rough cement finishes. the intimate spaces are occupied with furniture dating from the 1940s, with velvet sofas and coffee tables formed from bronze and glass. the institution hosts two annual exhibitions, which invade the space for a period of time. ‘the entire environment becomes a cradle for an artistic idea which dies after six months’, explains the gallery. ‘we are devoted to the lowbrow movement, but we are open to everything that touches our sensibilities, especially with artists who can interact with the space itself,’ cerulli told designboom. giorgia cerulli owns sacripante with her sister carlotta, a passionate art collector, and her husband alessandro cattedra, an event manager.

a focal point of the design is a small bar influenced by old pharmacies