Could Giorgio Pace transform Molise into a cultural hub?
Journey to Termoli, Italy's Hidden Gem:
Step into an Italian town, tucked away in the heart of Molise, a region you might not typically visit or even know about. Nestled between Abruzzo and Puglia, this quaint town stands out like a beacon on the Adriatic coastline. Known for its agro-industrial plains, this region boasts a rugged, mountainous interior adorned with woodlands, abandoned medieval villages, and ancient Roman ruins. Surrounded by modern municipalities, Termoli's historic center lies on a teardrop-shaped promontory, lined with vibrant houses and anchored by a medieval-era cathedral.
Join Giorgio Pace, a renowned art-design impresario, as he shows you around his hometown in the springtime, when the wind off the sea creates a distinct chill. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets, each barely wide enough for a path, and marvel at the laundry dancing in the breeze. At night, Giorgio and you will likely have the town to yourselves, making for a peaceful exploration of the quiet, historic center.
With over two decades in the contemporary arts scene under his belt, Giorgio has worked at the Met and the Guggenheim, curated at the Venice Biennale, and produced a Rick Owens retrospective in St Moritz. His consulting firm, Giorgio Pace Projects, connects luxury brands with arts enterprises worldwide. Lately, however, Giorgio has set his sights on Termoli, with ambitions to transform the town into an international cultural destination.
In the heart of Termoli's contemporary section, he's renovating one of two 19th-century ancestral homes into the Giorgio Pace Foundation. Slated to open next year, the foundation, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, will be a breathtaking architectural feat featuring interventions in glass, bronze, and steel, complementing the original tile floors across three stories. Additionally, a fourth floor with an outdoor patio and a leafy café in the back garden are planned. The 16 rooms within will showcase rotating exhibitions from contemporary artists and creators. And, lest we forget, world-class chefs, writers, and musicians will be welcomed to find inspiration within.
Giorgio, however, has us tour an even older ancestral home in the center of the historic center to show us his latest project: an artists' residence. Working with architect and designer Marco Parmeggiani, the first floor of the townhouse has been transformed into a two-bedroom haven filled with artifacts, antiques, family heirlooms, and pieces from Giorgio's personal collection. It promises a one-of-a-kind stay that will inspire artists, architects, writers, and a whole host of creative professionals.
Sitting in the residence's dining room, replete with 1930s French mahogany furniture and vibrant Indian textiles, Giorgio explained his vision for this space: a sanctuary where those contributing to the museum could find inspiration. In fact, both Kengo Kuma and Albanian artist Adrian Paci have already experienced the unique atmosphere of this creative haven.
Termoli's charm and history permeate this residence, making for a truly authentic and sophisticated surprise amid this small, often overlooked town. And with visionaries like Giorgio Pace, who boasts deep roots in the town and big dreams for its future, the possibility of Termoli joining the ranks of Italy's most celebrated cultural destinations seems increasingly within reach.
In the heart of Termoli, Giorgio Pace, a notable figure in the fashion-and-beauty and arts sectors, plans to establish an international cultural destination. To achieve this, he's renovating an ancestral home into the Giorgio Pace Foundation, showcasing rotating exhibitions and hosting world-class chefs, writers, and musicians. This foundation, set to open next year, will also offer an artists' residence, offering a unique staying experience in the home-and-garden, filled with antiques and pieces from Giorgio's personal collection. Furthermore, Termoli's overall charm and history, as exemplified in this residence, contribute to its growing potential as a lifestyle destination, rivaling Italy's celebrated cultural spots.
