Paradisoterrestre welcomes you to its new home in Bologna

Historic Italian design brand, conceived in the late Seventies by Dino Gavina and came back to life in 2017 thanks to Gherardo Tonelli, in its new course Paradisoterrestre ranges from history to innovation, re-release of historical pieces and new collections.

The choice of Bologna for its first home is an homage to the role played by the city in the history of design starting from the Fifties, mainly due to Bolognese Dino Gavina, unique figure as entrepreneur, collector-patron, editor, cultural operator and catalyst for creativity, who collaborated with the greatest designers, architects and artists of his time.

To tell the public his own concept of dialogue between design and art identified by research, quality and beauty, Tonelli chooses a fascinating apartment at the first floor of an historical building placed in the “Quadrilatero”, right in the heart of the city center, a few steps away from Piazza Maggiore. In this area all the principal economical activities, the University, hospitals, museums, theaters, towers, taverns were born; today it is the destination for luxury shopping in Bologna. Via De’ Musei 4 as venue for his Paradisoterrestre is also a symbolic choice: the entrance is under the Portico della Morte (The Death’s Portico) and the terrace offers astonishing views on the Church of Santa Maria della Vita (Saint Mary of Life).

Pierre Gonalons, creative director of the new space and internationally renowned designer based in Paris, realized the interior project:

“I thought about the space as if it was an imaginary collector’s house, drawing inspiration from ’70s Italian style. The interior architecture is very respectful of the history of the building and at the same time suggests a contemporary living space. We have recovered and restored the original doors that gave onto the terrace by placing them inside. The rooms, opening one onto the other, offer truly spectacular surprises, such as the red ceiling and the magnificent 7 meter long lamp, a unique piece realized by architect Takahama inspired by Mariyo Yagi’s “Garbo”. Everything is custom-made, even the travertine sink and the kitchen counter, a tribute to Carlo Scarpa, one of the great masters who collaborated with Gavina. I have also specifically designed for the space a Murano glass chandelier.”

A house inhabited by objects, artifacts to contemplate and use: unique pieces by designers and architects such as Carlo Scarpa, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Ignazio Gardella mixed with historical re-editions and contemporary productions from Paradisoterrestre catalogue, as for instance the collections Naeko, Marcel and Mantilla by Kazuhide Takahama, Fiori Futuristi by Giacomo Balla and All Around collection signed in 2018 by Pierre Gonalons. On the walls significant works by international artists: Roberto Sebastián Matta, Li Yuan-Chia, Alberto Biasi just to name a few.

A house to live in, that will host exhibitions and cultural events, for a total experience of the Paradisoterrestre universe between art, architecture and design.

Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm