International art gallery Hauser & Wirth has announced plans to open its first Italian location in Palermo, Sicily, housed within the historic Palazzo Forcella De Seta. The prestigious gallery confirmed the acquisition of the neo-Gothic palace, marking a significant expansion into the Mediterranean art scene.

The Palazzo Forcella De Seta carries substantial cultural significance in Sicily's art history. The building previously served as the venue for Manifesta 12, the renowned European biennial exhibition held in Palermo in 2018. From 1937 to 1940, it was home to Galleria Mediterranea, which holds the distinction of being the city's first private art gallery. In 2020, major portions of the historic building were put up for sale, setting the stage for Hauser & Wirth's eventual acquisition.

The gallery's journey to secure this location began with initial investigations in 2023, culminating in the completion of the purchase deal in November. Hauser & Wirth acquired approximately 20,000 square feet of the property, including the main floor designated for exhibition space, two additional wings, and a separate building intended for the gallery's administrative offices.

However, the acquisition faces potential complications due to Italian cultural preservation laws. The local government and Italy's Ministry of Culture retain the right of public pre-emption, which allows them to purchase the building within 60 days because of the palazzo's protected status as a historic monument. This legal provision reflects Italy's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.

Assuming the government does not exercise its pre-emption rights, Hauser & Wirth plans to begin renovation work on the site in 2026, with the ambitious goal of completing the project by 2030. Gallery president Iwan Wirth expressed his enthusiasm for the project in an official statement, saying, "We can confirm that we are acquiring the historic Palazzo Forcella De Seta in Palermo, Sicily. It is an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to restore a site of such profound significance and beauty, and to create a new arts destination in a place renowned for cultural exchange throughout the centuries. We look forward to sharing details of our vision and plans in the coming months."

The gallery emphasized its extensive experience in cultural preservation projects, highlighting its track record of sensitively conserving historic architecture while creating vibrant cultural spaces. Hauser & Wirth pointed to its successful locations in Somerset, Menorca, and Los Angeles as examples of its commitment to architectural conservation, noting that these projects have received multiple awards for their preservation efforts. The Palermo location represents the gallery's dedication to establishing meaningful cultural destinations that honor both contemporary art and historical heritage.