Coppola Foundation: Tower With a View and Contemporary Art

The Coppola Foundation’s Il Torrione in Vicenza, Italy, offers visitors a unique blend of history and contemporary art. Standing tall at 41.60 meters, this 12th-century tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Basilica Palladiana. But the foundation’s commitment to modern art is equally impressive, with carefully curated exhibitions showcasing works from both emerging and established artists within the tower’s restored space. It’s a harmonious fusion of architectural significance and contemporary creativity that’s sure to intrigue any art and history enthusiast.

Key Points

• The Coppola Foundation acquired the historic Il Torrione tower in Vicenza, Italy, in 2017 and transformed it into a venue for contemporary art exhibitions.
• The 41.60-meter tall tower offers panoramic views of Vicenza, including the iconic Basilica Palladiana and the city’s historic bell towers.
• The tower’s restoration aimed to enhance the visitor experience with modern designs while preserving its 12th-century architectural heritage.
• The exhibition space within the tower is designed with contemporary lighting and panels to showcase a dynamic collection of works by emerging and established artists.
• The unique combination of the tower’s historical significance and the Coppola Foundation’s curation of contemporary art creates a distinctive cultural experience for visitors.

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Ticket Pricing and Flexibility

Tickets to visit Il Torrione, the historic tower in Vicenza, cost a reasonable $5.46 per person.

Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The "reserve now, pay later" option is also available, letting guests book their spot without paying anything upfront.

The tower tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing panoramic views of Vicenza’s landmarks. While the steep stairs may pose challenges for some, the flexible ticketing makes planning a stress-free experience.

The Historic Il Torrione

The 12th-century Il Torrione, or "The Big Tower," stands as a captivating historical landmark at the western entrance to Vicenza’s old town. Rising 41.60 meters, the tower showcases different architectural periods, reflecting its rich heritage.

In 2017, the Fondazione Coppola acquired the tower, donating it to the Municipality of Vicenza for a 30-year concession to host contemporary art. Restoration was supervised by UP3 Architetti Associati and the local Superintendency, enhancing the visitor experience with modern lighting and panels.

Though not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tower offers panoramic views of Vicenza, including the Basilica Palladiana and city bell towers.

Acquisition and Restoration

In 2017, the Fondazione Coppola acquired the 12th-century Il Torrione, donating it to the Municipality of Vicenza for a 30-year concession to host contemporary art.

The restoration was supervised by UP3 Architetti Associati and the local Superintendency of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.

The project aimed to enhance the visitor experience with architect designs by Paolo De Biasi and Francesco Durante. Modern lighting and panels were installed to optimize the display of contemporary artworks throughout the tower.

Despite its historical significance, the tower poses physical challenges, as it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions.

Panoramic Views of Vicenza

Atop the 41.60-meter Il Torrione, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Vicenza’s architectural gems.

The highlights include:

The iconic Basilica Palladiana, with its distinctive Renaissance design, stands as a highlight atop the Il Torrione.

1. The iconic Basilica Palladiana, with its distinctive Renaissance design.

2. The historic city bell towers, standing tall and proud against the skyline.

3. Picturesque streets and piazzas, offering a glimpse into Vicenza’s vibrant past.

4. The surrounding hills and countryside, providing a serene counterpoint to the urban landscape.

These vantage points allow visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and rich history that make Vicenza such a captivating destination.

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Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Complementing the panoramic views, Il Torrione now showcases an ever-evolving collection of contemporary artworks throughout its interior.

The exhibition space is designed with modern lighting and panels to optimally present the artworks. Visitors can admire pieces by both emerging and established artists as they ascend the tower’s floors.

The Coppola Foundation’s curation give you a dynamic and thought-provoking experience, blending the tower’s historical significance with cutting-edge visual expressions.

This unique combination of architecture, history, and contemporary art enhances the overall visitor experience at Il Torrione.

Architectural Design Features

The architectural design of Il Torrione, the 12th-century tower acquired by the Coppola Foundation, has been meticulously crafted to enhance the visitor experience.

Key design features include:

1. Architect-designed exhibition spaces with modern lighting and panels to optimally showcase contemporary artworks.

2. Thoughtful layouts and flow that guide visitors through the tower’s floors and offer panoramic views of Vicenza.

3. Restoration by UP3 Architetti Associati and the local Superintendency, preserving the tower’s historical character while introducing contemporary elements.

4. Intuitive wayfinding and accessibility considerations, though not suitable for those with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

Accessibility and Health Considerations

Although Il Torrione offers a captivating exploration of Vicenza’s history and contemporary art, the tower’s physical accessibility poses some challenges.

Il Torrione’s captivating exploration of Vicenza’s history and art is hindered by the tower’s physical accessibility challenges.

The steep stairs between floors require a significant amount of physical effort, making the tower unsuitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Plus, visitors with claustrophobia, heart problems, or vertigo may find the enclosed spaces and heights of the tower overwhelming.

The Coppola Foundation advises guests to carefully consider their physical abilities before booking a visit.

Despite these limitations, the tower provides a unique opportunity to experience Vicenza’s rich cultural heritage and modern artistic expression.

Visitor Experience and Highlights

Visitors to Il Torrione are treated to a captivating experience that seamlessly blends Vicenza’s rich history with contemporary artistic expression.

The panoramic views from the tower’s observation deck offer a stunning vantage point, showcasing the Basilica Palladiana and city bell towers.

Inside, the exhibition space, designed with modern lighting and panels, provides an optimal setting for the display of contemporary artworks.

Visitors can explore:

1. Thought-provoking installations

2. Multimedia exhibits

3. Rotating showcases of local and international artists

4. Architectural elements that enhance the overall visitor experience.

Common Questions

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

The tower offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later. However, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date and time.

Are Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tower offers discounted tickets for students and seniors. Students can get a 10% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above receive a 20% discount off the standard adult admission price.

Can I Take Photos and Videos Inside the Tower?

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos and videos throughout the tower. However, using tripods or selfie sticks is not allowed, as they could interfere with the artwork displays and visitor flow.

Are There Any On-Site Dining or Refreshment Options?

There are no on-site dining or refreshment options at Il Torrione. Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, but there are no cafes or vending machines within the tower itself.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Tower?

There’s no strict dress code for visiting the tower. Visitors can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the stairs can be steep and narrow. The focus is on the tower’s architecture and art, not fashion.

The Sum Up

The Coppola Foundation’s Il Torrione offers a unique blend of history and contemporary art, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Vicenza. The restored 12th-century tower harmonizes architectural significance with modern creativity, showcasing carefully curated exhibitions that enhance the overall experience. With flexible ticket options and considerate accessibility, Il Torrione invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of Vicenza’s past and present.

You can check availability for your dates here: