The prestigious Hertziana Library near the Spanish Steps in Rome has now re-opened after a lengthy restoration project lasting over ten years. The interior of the Library, situated in Palazzo Zuccari, between Via Sistina and Via Gregoriana, has undergone a complete re-make, with open spaces, white walls and new shelving to contain its 300,000 book collection.
Designed by architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg, the avant-guard plan has been hailed a miracle of Italian engineering after the discovery of the remains of the Roman Villa of Lucullus, complete with walls and mosaics, under the building, which had to be preserved and incorporated into the design.
Palazzo Zuccari takes its name from the first owner and artist who created the original building at the end of the 16 th century and soon became a fulcrum for foreign artists on their Grand Tour of Italy. It was sold to heiress Henrietta Hertz in 1903 and became part of the Max Planck Society, Germany most prestigious scientific institute. The Herziana of Rome is a centre of study of Italian art.
Info: www.biblhertz.it
