Nestled within the verdant expanse of Bois de Boulogne and a stone’s throw from the Champs Élysées, Casa Italia Paris 2024 stands as a testament to Italian excellence in design and culture. This splendid Napoleon III-style building will host Italian athletes, coaches, and guests from 26 July to 11 August during the 33rd Olympic Games.
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A Historic Venue Rooted in Olympic Games Heritage
Le Pré Catelan, the chosen venue, is rich in historical significance. Inaugurated in 1856, it played a pivotal role in the birth of the modern Olympic Games. It was here, on the evening of 23 June 1894, that Baron Pierre de Coubertin celebrated the establishment of the modern Olympics. Today, this storied building has been revitalized through the collaborative efforts of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), architecture studio IT’S, and Atelier Bianca E. Patroni Griffi.
At the heart of Casa Italia Paris 2024 is the Ensemble concept, which has transformed the athletes’ home from a mere Hospitality House into an internationally recognized brand. Ensemble, a term that evokes both music and fashion – pillars of modern French and Italian cultural identity – has redefined this space since 2016. This architectural project turns Le Pré Catelan into a scenic and emotional journey, with a profound commitment to sustainability. The predominant use of natural and recycled fabrics, aimed at reducing the weight of transported materials, has significantly cut down on carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring a dedication to environmental responsibility.
Casa Italia Paris 2024 also showcases the works of 19 prominent figures in Italian contemporary art, including Vincenzo Agnetti, Marco Bernardi, Giovanni Bonotto, Sergio Breviario, Claire Fontaine, Paolo Delle Monache, Alberto Di Fabio, Agostino Iacurci, Francesco Jodice, Margherita Moscardini, Matteo Nasini, Gabriele Picco, Julie Polidoro, Riccardo Previdi, Edoardo Tresoldi, Marinella Senatore, Stalker, Patrick Tuttofuoco, and Fabio Viale. These artists represent the cutting edge of Italian creativity, their works blending seamlessly into the historic ambiance of Le Pré Catelan.
Complementing this artistic display is a collection of design works by 32 internationally renowned designers, created for 11 prestigious Italian companies. Among them are Francesco Binfaré, Fernando and Humberto Campana, Jacopo Foggini, Masanori Umeda for Edra; Marco Lavit, Patrick Norguet, Marcello Ziliani for Ethimo; Mario Bellini, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Tokujin Yoshioka for Glas Italia; Brodie Neill for Riva 1920; and De Pas – D’Urbino – Lomazzi, Ettore Sottsass, Superstudio for Poltronova; Antii Kotilainer and Metrica for Arper. Each designer brings a unique vision, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary design that reflects Italy’s cultural heritage and innovative spirit.
Casa Italia Paris 2024 is not just a venue; it is a celebration of Italian design, art, and sustainability. It offers a home away from home for athletes and a platform to showcase Italy’s cultural prowess. Visitors will embark on a journey through history, contemporary art, and cutting-edge design, experiencing firsthand the vibrancy and creativity that define Italian culture. This event promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the Paris Olympic Games, capturing the essence of Italy’s contribution to the world of art and design.
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