The Galli Tassi palazzo might have come with a history that was as nefarious as it was improbable — having been the governor’s palace, a ministry, and a syrup factory — but its prestigious reputation could do nothing to alter what Martino Di Napoli Rampolla thought of it. Too dark, too old, too oppressive. Not really a place where ideas could be born and grow, enriched by exchanges between a multitude of different people. Not at all the same vision as the one that brings us to Florence today, as Martino, having first occupied his grandmother’s apartment, now uses three floors of this impressive building. Not for his own personal use. Although…Numeroventi is a sort of extension of himself, of his experiences and of the way he goes about his life. No. If one had to define Numeroventi in one expression, it would be that of an artists’ residence. A living project that is growing as if organically, piece by piece, project by project. Slowly, Numeroventi is evolving. Soon, the walls repainted white by Martino will house a boutique hotel, a café, a natural wine bar, but also a gallery. Losing nothing of the spirit that defines this place. A multi-faceted playground that the performers can make their own, delighted to be free to create, in total physical and metal communion. Flooded with exceptional natural light thanks to the enormous windows, Numeroventi is still more than ever a haven of peace where change is encouraged. To help nudge the world towards a different direction from the one towards which it is currently veering.
Numeroventi, Palazzo Galli Tassi, via de Pandolfini 20 – 50122 Florence. Reservations by telephone on 05.53.88.06.95 and at www.numeroventi.it
Who are you Martino?
This is a very hard question and very relative too. In the past 3 years, all my work and life was about doing what I love and what excites me. One of the most exciting thing being the development of my activity Numeroventi with all the collaborations, the design creations it involved. This shaped me a lot and also made me understand the importance of being flexible and versatile. I cannot keep steady, not even identity-wise. I am the result of my experiences and my approach to life. I studied winemaking then fashion marketing and communication and I ended up being a graphic designer before starting my own project that could merge a lot of aspects and interests.
What gave you the idea of creating Numeroventi? What’s the concept behind it?
The concept behind Numeroventi is to give artists and creative professionals mental and physical space to develop what really matters to them, and to give then the opportunity to breath Florentine heritage and culture. Numeroventi first started with the aim of using a space (my home) to fulfill the gap between artists and designers in Florence. What happened next and the shape that my project acquired were dictated by all the experiences I’ve made during those 2 and half years of work. In September, Numeroventi will be a boutique hotel, an artist residence, a coffee shop and a gallery.
Where did the name come from?
Numeroventi is located in Via dei Pandolfini 20 (Venti). A dear friend of mine suggested it to me.
I am very driven by contemporary art because it shows us how the world is nowadays and the way people refer to the past.
How would you like to develop your concept in the future?
We will complete the structure giving the chance to emphasize and convey the value created by the amazing artists we host. A gallery shop will be put in place to showcase the art and objects curated and produced. A natural wine bar will allow the visitors to use the space daily (with an access on membership only). We will also collaborate and exchange with likeminded businesses and associations worldwide. The common thread among all these activities is raising awareness about where the world is going and inspiring change mostly through sustainability. Art, Design and Fashion are great channels to do this.
Who inspires you, professionally speaking?
I particularly admire Axel Vervoortd’s work as a collector and as a curator. I had the chance to learn a lot thanks to the artists we hosted in our artist residence. Everyone has something to teach and assisting each process is very inspiring. Travels are my biggest inspiration, living abroad and visiting new places while experiencing different cultures is where I get most of my ideas.
What’s your daily routine in Florence? Can you recommend some good places for us?
Go to 5 e Cinque for a healthy delicious lunch, hide inside Cibreo Caffè for a “merenda” and roll over to Cibleo for asian inspired tasty food. The Enoteca Fiorentina and Le Volpi e L’Uva are ideal for natural wines!
Photography: Constance Gennari – Text: Caroline Balvay @thesocialitefamily
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