Palazzo della Libertà restores former custodian’s house in Bergamo
Bergamo’s Palazzo della Libertà has completed another stage of its transformation with the handover of the former custodian’s house, which now provides headquarters for the cultural association Immaginare Orlando and audience facilities for Lab80 Film.
New Infrastructure for Local Cultural Groups
The ground floor of the newly renovated space functions as an infopoint, ticket office, and bookshop managed by Lab80 Film. The mezzanine level serves as the first dedicated office for Immaginare Orlando.
Zaninoni Foundation Funds 80,000 Euro Project
The renovation cost 80,000 euros and was funded by the Fondazione A.J. Zaninoni to mark its 25th anniversary. The project operates under the name “Dare casa” to provide physical spaces for cultural and social groups that previously lacked headquarters.
Pia Locatelli, founder and president of the foundation, spoke at the opening ceremony about the partnership. “The first reason is that this intervention represents a new chapter in the rebirth of public heritage and the enhancement of Palazzo della Libertà through the expansion of spaces for culture,” Locatelli stated.
Mayor Elena Carnevali noted the municipal impact of the handover. “The value of this project is not only that of making this pole alive and giving a home to Immaginare Orlando and new spaces to Lab80, but above all of offering stability to those who produce culture, helping these realities to grow and make culture increasingly accessible,” Carnevali said.
Broader Complex Timeline and Ongoing Work
Urban Regeneration Councillor Francesco Valesini detailed the timeline of the broader complex. The agreement with the State Property Office was signed four years ago, and restoration work across the building continues with preparations for the first floor to house the Bergamoscienza headquarters.
Sergio Visinoni, president of Lab80 Film, described the new location as strategic. Elisabetta Consonni, artistic director of the Orlando Festival, referenced Virginia Wolf while discussing a dedicated room for the Orlando association, noting that having one is a prerequisite for freedom of expression.
Upcoming Dare Casa Social Allocations
The Fondazione Zaninoni plans further cultural and social allocations under the “Dare casa” initiative. Upcoming projects include residential spaces for women who are victims of violence and a new office for the European Federalist Movement and the Nuovo Progetto cultural center inside the former Principe di Napoli building on via Pignolo.