An exhibition dedicated to women’s empowerment, on the Amalfi Coast

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Palazzo Avino’s “Palace to Palace” Art Takeover

An exhibition dedicated to women’s empowerment, on the Amalfi Coast

Lucrezia Worthington

17 September 2024

When it comes to the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi and Positano often take the spotlight compared to their smaller, hilltop neighbor Ravello; but it’s precisely for this reason that Ravello has become a destination worth visiting for those seeking to escape mass tourism. Perched 365 meters above sea level, this quaint village boasts a panorama that sweeps the coast, over Minori, Maiori and extending southward toward the Cilento coastline. This vista is what you’ll wake up and fall asleep to at Palazzo Avino (where the best moment might very well be at sunrise, when the entire coastline is painted in pink hues). The hotel officially opened back in the 1930s, welcoming actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Gina Lollobrigida during the filming of Beat the Devil, as well as notable filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and his lover, the actress Ingrid Bergman. But it’s not until 1995 that the property was purchased by its current owners, the Avino family, who, from a state of abandonment, lovingly and carefully restored it to its former glory. 

Today it narrates the story of a family—the kind of family that takes into consideration every minute detail in order to unveil the secrets of this glamorous destination and one that treasures a world of culture, craftsmanship and savoir-faire. In fact, the property is that of two souls. The first is an ode to tradition—an aristocratic residence with a tapestry of Italian and French antiques, gilded details, ancient majolica tiles, Vietri ceramics and Moorish arched windows. The second is the integration of contemporary art and design, a direction that the Avino sisters (Mariella, Attilia and Mariavittoria) sought to weave into the property.

Architect and interior designer Cristina Celestino was the first to bring her avant-garde touch to the hotel, transforming seven of the 53 rooms and suites. She revamped them around three main color tones—aquamarine, coral, and sand—reflecting the essence of the Palazzo’s surroundings. Celestino also designed The Pink Closet, a luxury boutique opened in 2019 that features hand-picked items by Mariella.

The latest projects have been designed by Neapolitan architect Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva, who designed the prestigious Infinito Suite in 2023. Set across two floors, the architect restored the ancient tower of the palazzo, integrating designer furnishings by Gabriella Crespi, Gio Ponti, Hans-Agne Jakobsson and Ignazio Gardella. English artist David Tremlett was also commissioned for a site-specific work adding color to the vaulted ceilings and handcrafted ceramic-tiled floors. The suite’s color scheme aligns with Gio Ponti’s “Mediterranean Law” concept which underlines that “everything by the sea must be colorful.” Within the suite, breathtaking views pour out from the private terrace, as if you’re suspended between sea and sky. 

This year, dell’Uva also unveiled a new room with twelve more set to follow next season. This sea-view nook has been coated in chalk white, with splashes of pink and blue to recall the fantastic three-dimensional headboard created by Venetian artist Giulano Dal Molin. Next to the bed is the traditional Moorish arched window, iconic of the property, that looks out into the gardens and beyond. This particular style has been reflected by the architect as an arched, glass door to enter the bathroom. 

Furthermore, dell’Uva injected his contemporary vision to Rossellinis, Palazzo Avino’s one-Michelin-starred restaurant. In parallel with the aesthetic changes is the culinary format overseen by chef Gianni Vanacore. Diners will begin their culinary venture with a glass of champagne and amuse-bouche on the lawn before taking a seat at their table and the options of three different tasting menus with one common denominator: the dessert trolley. It shows up at your table post dinner with a delectable selection of regional delights including a slice of rose-scented pastiera, the art of Neapolitan pastry.

Within the spaces of the Caffè dell’Arte, the Avino sisters decided to create a living gallery, imbued with creative works that rotate on an annual basis. This year, until November 2024, Palazzo Avino has collaborated with Palazzo Monti, an artist residency in Brescia. The theme is one that marries the philosophy which guides the Pink Palace today: female empowerment.

As Mariella says, “Breathing life into the palace, infusing it with art, has been an enduring journey that has grown richer with each passing year. The idea that this year the project will shine a light on the female world of art holds even a deeper meaning for me, resonating with our DNA and family legacy.” The Palace to Palace art takeover, curated by the honorary director of Palazzo Monti, Umberta Beretta, celebrates femininity through emotion, creativity, exploration, color and inclusivity. This exhibition showcases the diverse perspectives of emerging international female artists through a collection of paintings, sketches and photography.