In an unprecedented event, the main floor of Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata, located in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, opens to the public for the first time! This extraordinary event coincides with the opening of the exhibition “The Tables of the Gattopards.”
Starting July 24 through Sept. 23, 2023, immerse yourself in the fascinating beauty of this architectural and cultural jewel, discovering the hidden treasures of Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata and being enchanted by the exhibition celebrating the elegance and prestige of the Gattopardi.
Discover the Fascination of the Piano Nobile of Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata: The “Tables of the Gattopards” Exhibition Unveils Baroque Treasures in Ragusa Ibla!
Get ready to immerse yourself in a timeless journey into the Baroque heart of Ragusa Ibla, as the doors of the majestic Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata will open wide to the public for the first time! This momentous event for Sicily coincides with the opening of the extraordinary exhibition “The Tables of the Gattopards.”
Beginning July 24, the sumptuous halls of the main floor will host a unique collection of painted ceramic tableware, an integral part of the historic mansion’s heritage. Organized by the Donnafugata 2000 Association and curated by renowned art historian Costantino D’Orazio, this exhibition promises to transport visitors to an atmosphere of luxury and refinement.
The setting up of the prestigious rooms is curated by Sciveres Guarini Associati and enjoys the patronage of the Sicilian Region, the Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, the Libero Consorzio Comunale di Ragusa and the City of Ragusa.
Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata, one of the gems of Ragusa Ibla’s historic center, reveals its fascinating history through a series of remarkably preserved rooms. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the princely halls, admire the frescoes, walk on the pitch floors and even discover the secret of the Donnafugata Theater.
The exhibition “The Tables of the Gattopards” offers an unprecedented experience, with three tables set as if for a sumptuous banquet, accompanied by the family’s historical services, including a valuable collection of painted pottery from Nove di Bassano dating back to the 19th century.
Through the catalog edited by writer Constance DiQuattro, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating historical events related to these tableware, a testament to the art and culture of the time.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the luxury and splendor of times past at the Arezzo Palace of Donnafugata! A unique experience that will transport you back in time, to an era of timeless elegance and refinement.
Book your shift now and join us for an unforgettable trip to the heart of Baroque Sicily!
For more information and reservations, visit www.teatrodonnafugata.it or contact 334 220 8186 / info@teatrodonnafugata.it.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Gattopardi!
The exhibition “The Tables of the Gattopards” will be set up inside the halls where three extraordinary tables will be ready as if to welcome a gala dinner, with some of the family’s historical services: a precious painted ceramic service from Nove di Bassano dating back to the 19th century, with a number of references related to the previous century, and two services that open interesting windows into the history of the family and the palace. Along with plates, soup tureens, refreshment bowls, gravy boats, baskets, crepes, centerpieces, and sprinklers, the antique rosolier, vintage samovars, and a number of curious figured tableware will be on display. Writer Costanza DiQuattro will trace in the exhibition catalog some of the historical events related to the public occasions when the Nove di Bassano del Grappa pottery service was used by city authorities, after having obtained it on loan from the family.
“It is above all at the table,” writes Mary Taylor Simeti, author of the volume “La tavola del Gattopardo” in the catalog, “that the Sicilian aristocrat can best demonstrate his rank, the largesse of his hospitality and the good governance of his family, all of which is evidenced by the refinement and abundance of the food offered, and the elegance and preciousness of the table setting. Extensive service, including dishes of all sizes and purposes, as well as elevations, candelabras and centerpieces of all kinds, became increasingly prevalent in the first half of the nineteenth century, either as a result of the Bourbon court’s Sicilian exile during the Napoleonic wars, or perhaps in response to a sense of immanent twilight.”
The luxury, the pageantry of times long gone, the charm of a life surrounded by wonder: this is the experience that visitors to the exhibition “The Tables of the Gattopards” will be able to experience inside rooms where that late 19th century atmosphere can still be felt. “The Donnafugata Association is pleased to present the exhibition ‘The Tables of the Gattopards,'” comments Vicky DiQuattro, artistic director of the association, “with the support of prestigious collaborators to activate the collection of Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata, carefully and attentively guarded by my family, as a cultural heritage of value to the community. Our commitment is to promote research and study of the past because we believe that this can be an opportunity to stimulate and learn about stories and values to be passed on for the future.”
The region accompanies this initiative, which is also a treat for tourists. “Our Sicily enjoys a historical and cultural heritage admired by other regions and countries around the world, and it is through initiatives such as this that it is possible to properly enhance it so that knowledge and knowledge, as well as beauty, can be spread,” commented Regional Councillor for Culture and Sicilian Identity, Francesco Paolo Scarpinato.
Also referring to the inestimable value of the exhibition is Antonino De Marco, superintendent of the Environmental and Cultural Heritage of the province of Ragusa: “The Sicilian aristocratic environment, which has fueled the cultural-historical imagination for years, is evoked by the residences where one can still feel that late 19th century atmosphere.”
“We support the project with immense pride. We are always ready to promote initiatives for the dissemination of knowledge, culture and beauty. An initiative that is also expected to be of tourist interest, and in this sense we are intervening to offer tourists an additional opportunity,” explains the commissioner Salvatore Piazza of the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa which promotes the initiative together with the City of Ragusa: “We expect that many, including tourists as well as Ragusans, will seize this opportunity to visit places unveiled to the public for the first time. Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata is one of the most impressive residences in the historic center of Ragusa Ibla, Ragusa’s ancient baroque district, whose style is unique and admired by visitors from all over the world,” they highlight Mayor Peppe Cassì and Councillor for Historic Centers, Giovanni Gurrieri.
In addition to a text by Costantino D’Orazio, the exhibition catalog, published by Dario Cimorelli Editore and edited by art historian Valentina Bruschi, features contributions from the artistic directors of the Donnafugata Association, Vicky and Costanza DiQuattro, architect Nunzio Gabriele Sciveres, author with the firm Sciveres Guarini Associati, of the exhibition layout and a text by historian Mary Taylor Simeti.
Photos in the catalog are by Laura Di Martino.
The exhibition, open from July 24 to Sept. 23, 2023, can be enjoyed from 10:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. (last admission) every day except Mondays.
Admission (15 euros plus presale) is limited for each round.
For info and online reservations you can log on to the website www.teatrodonnafugata.it
mobile +39334 220 8186
