Living Art

The grounds of a 17th century palazzo in velabro have been transformed into The Rooms of Rome, an enthralling residence cum-performance space by Alda Fendi’s art foundation and French architect Jean Nouvel.

- Jessica Chan

There are plenty of reasons for culture buffs to appreciate The Rooms of Rome. First, it’s located within the culturally rich velabro where first century Temple of Portunus and Bocca della verità reside. Second, it’s the newly minted headquarters of Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti, Alda Fendi’s (of fashion house Fendi) non-profit organisation aimed at preserving and furthering culture. And, lastly, the building itself serves as the eclectic lady’s latest artistic experiment.

It comes as no surprise that Fendi is behind this ambitious project. This is the sort of ground-breaking performance art that the foundation has been championing since its inception in 2001. This time round, she has French architect Jean Nouvel and Room Mate Group president and founder Kike Sarasola lead its transformation from a neglected 17th-century palazzo into Palazzo Rhinoceros, a six-storey mecca for modern art. The rustic façade belies a multi-room exhibition area, a bi-level rooftop bar and restaurant by Caviar Kaspia and 24 inimitable studio and two bedroom serviced apartments. (It also has an unrivalled view of ancient Rome.)