Tradition and modernity in the restyling of the Teatro Massimo

In a project that weaves together past and present, architect Luigi Smecca oversaw the redevelopment of select interior and exterior spaces in the Teatro Massimo opera house in Palermo. The restyling encompassed the refreshment bar, restaurant, cafeteria, bookshop and adjoining gardens, with the goal of enhancing the historical grandeur of Italy’s largest opera house – originally inaugurated in 1897 – while reinterpreting it through a contemporary design language.

“The design concept was based on the idea of creating comfortable, modern, yet at the same time elegant and refined architectural spaces,” explains Smecca. “The aim was to enhance these spaces, preserving their historical and architectural value while introducing solutions that combine functionality and local identity.”

In the Sala delle Volte, now reimagined as a refreshment bar and multifunctional room, two counters clad in decorative glazed ceramic tiles from Etruria Design’s Concetto Spaziale collection in the colour Emerald Green (Rombo 3D format) pay homage to the opera house’s rich craftsmanship and decorative heritage, bridging tradition and innovation. “We sought to enhance the architecture of the hall, characterised by its cross vaults and limited natural light, transforming it into a versatile space ideal for hosting literary cafés, bistros and wine bars.”

In the Sala dei Dipinti, dedicated to fine dining, the intervention was more delicate, respecting the Pompeian frescoes that adorn the walls. “Here, we left it to the frescoes and the large windows overlooking the garden to define the identity of the space,” explains the architect.

The elegant ambiance is further enhanced by the visual connection to the garden, an essential element of the project. Redesigned to evoke the splendour of Art Nouveau, the garden features four leaf-shaped installations capable of shading the outdoor tables while creating fascinating patterns of light and shadow thanks to a mobile mechanism. “These structures introduce a poetic yet functional element and reference the petal-like ceiling of the stalls, which was designed in the 19th century to open to allow fresh air to circulate.”

Additional interventions included transforming the room adjacent to the refreshment bar into an elegant bookshop, as well as redesigning the bar on the fourth tier, which features an exposed red brick wall dating back to the original construction of the opera house. Here too, the restyling honours the building’s historical charm while seamlessly integrating contemporary design elements. “We incorporated references to the floral decorations of Art Nouveau, to luxurious materials and to the timeless elegance of the Teatro Massimo,” Smecca concludes. “Each room has been conceived as an artistic installation that narrates the history and prestige of this iconic venue.”

Thanks to this thoughtful redevelopment, the Teatro Massimo is once again a dynamic and welcoming space where history, art and conviviality converge to offer new experiences to an ever more diverse audience.