A historic milestone for Pordenone: the Ministry of Culture has acquired the Casa del Mutilato, the landmark building in Piazza XX Settembre, which is set to become an innovative cultural hub dedicated to the 20th century as part of the MULTILATI project, included in Pordenone’s bid to become the Italian Capital of Culture 2027.
The official announcement was made today during Minister Giuli’s visit to the city, at a press conference held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, attended by the Minister for Culture, Alessandro Giuli; the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani; the Mayor of Pordenone, Alessandro Basso; and the Councillor for Culture, Alberto Parigi.
“Minister Giuli’s support is vital for Pordenone,” comments Mayor Alessandro Basso. “The fact that the Minister has visited the city twice in the space of a few months is testament to the excellent work we are carrying out, in collaboration with state institutions, in relation to Pordenone’s cultural scene. The step we are taking with the purchase of the Casa del Mutilato allows us to look forward to a bright future. It is undeniable that for this we must also thank the Minister for Local Affairs, Luca Ciriani, who has always been supportive and a constant presence for the local council.”
The local council has for some time been in discussions with the Ministry of Culture and the National Association of War Wounded and Disabled (ANMIG) with a view to making this historic building part of the public heritage. The Ministry, having recognised the cultural and national significance of the project, acquired the property using its own funds, thereby becoming its owner following the transfer from ANMIG.
The Ministry of Culture and Pordenone City Council will now draw up an agreement to set out the arrangements for managing the building and to plan the comprehensive refurbishment works, which will be funded by the Ministry of Culture: a project that marks a historic turning point for Pordenone, as the Casa del Mutilato will finally be transformed into a refurbished public asset.
"This project enables us to transform the Casa del Mutilato into the “Museo Mutilati”, a multimedia museum of the 20th century: using immersive technologies, by 2027 we will tell the story of the last century by integrating history, economics and culture, recounting the events of Pordenone, the North-East, Italy and the whole world.” – said Alberto Parigi, Councillor for Culture – “ We are thus achieving three historic objectives for the city: we are ensuring full accessibility to an iconic site, promoting urban regeneration through culture, and fulfilling our commitment to bring Pordenone from the margins to the centre of the national cultural map, as we set out in our bid dossier for Italian Capital of Culture; and this project, which is being completed today in the presence of two Ministers, symbolically represents this new positioning of our city. "
The “MULTILATI” project
The regeneration of the Casa del Mutilato is a flagship project of Pordenone’s bid to become the Italian Capital of Culture 2027. Through the project entitled “MULTILATI”, the aim is to transform it into a contemporary cultural hub that explores the many facets of the 20th century, blending history, culture and immersive technologies. Set within the cubic, minimalist design of the 1930s, “MULTILATI” will offer innovative experiences where interactive exhibitions and multimedia installations will guide visitors through the major themes of the last century, making the past not only understandable but tangible and engaging. The project’s name evokes the concept of the multiverse: each ‘side’ tells a different story of the century that changed the world. The “MULTILATI” project will transform this iconic venue not only externally but also within its interior spaces, returning it fully to the use of the entire community.
An iconic building in the heart of the city
The architecture of the Casa del Mutilato – built between 1935 and 1937 to a design by the architect Cesare Scoccimarro – proves ideal for conversion into a cultural venue: the elegant entrance hall, the majestic open staircase and, above all, the grand hall of honour on the second floor, which can accommodate up to 500 people, create the perfect setting for a contemporary centre dedicated to exhibitions, displays and public events.
Although this iconic building is situated in the heart of the city, it has always been almost entirely inaccessible to the people of Pordenone. Over the past year, the local council, together with ANMIG and local organisations, has begun to open it up for cultural events, such as the exhibition currently on display as part of Pordenonelegge.
The Ministry of Culture’s acquisition will now enable this cultural vocation to be further developed, transforming the Casa del Mutilato into a venue for the whole Pordenone community to come together and celebrate its historical heritage.