Hauser & Wirth gallery is expanding its empire to Italy with plans to launch a new venue in Palermo, Sicily. The gallery—which runs 18 spaces worldwide in locations including Zürich, London, New York and Menorca—has acquired the Palazzo Forcella De Seta, a building located in the heart of the Kalsa district.
Iwan Wirth, the president of Hauser & Wirth, says: “We can confirm that we are acquiring the historic Palazzo Forcella De Seta in Palermo, Sicily. It is an honour and a privilege to have this opportunity to restore a site of such profound significance and beauty, and to create a new arts destination in a place renowned for cultural exchange throughout the centuries. We look forward to sharing details of our vision and plans in the coming months.”
According to a report in the La Repubblica Palermo newspaper, the deal was formalised mid-November and needs to be approved by regional authorities and the Italian ministry of culture. The Art Newspaper understands that most of the site—around 2,000 sq. m—has been acquired as part of the arrangement.
A gallery spokesperson says that Hauser & Wirth has a “long and established track record for creating cultural projects that have gained recognition for conservation of historic architecture in particular in relation to its locations in Somerset, Menorca and Los Angeles”. These hubs combine restaurants with gardens and spaces for resident artists and community projects.
The Palazzo Forcella De Seta, which was used as a venue for Manifesta 12 in 2018, was built in the mid-19th century by the Marquis Forcella.
