Turning Point
"Turning Point. Revealing the Future" is the new cultural program conceived and curated by Urban Lab to explore the major projects that will transform the Valentino and Cavallerizza Reale. These two major transformations represent a true turning point in Turin's broader transformation, affecting the city's green and baroque heart. The starting point for forming an informed opinion on these two recently begun construction projects, most of which are scheduled to be completed by 2026, is the exhibition at Urban Lab's headquarters in Piazza Palazzo di Città. The exhibition unfolds in two dedicated spaces, offering in-depth analysis of each project through data, images, and interviews with key figures.
The Valentino. The panoramic tour unfolds along the Po River, following the redevelopment project in the area between Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the outskirts of the Vallere district, as illustrated by the orthophoto covering the room's floor. The project, one of the city's most important cultural investments for the coming years, aims to create a unified and distinctive system that emphasizes the park's cultural and leisure vocation. This is achieved through the restoration and enhancement of the river's navigability and the existing architectural and historical heritage, and their integration with the park's landscape and environmental resources. The main projects presented are: the redevelopment of the Nervi Pavilion of Torino Esposizioni with the creation of the new Central Civic Library, the restoration of the Teatro Nuovo, the restoration and enhancement of the Medieval Village's hospitality and tourism offerings, the restoration of navigation on the Po, and the redevelopment of the park to improve its usability. Along with the projects promoted by the city, the completion of the Architecture, Planning, and Design center of the Polytechnic University of Turin is also taking shape at the Valentino Park, with the redevelopment of three pavilions of the Torino Esposizioni complex and their conversion into educational spaces.
The Cavallerizza Reale. This focus highlights the remarkable complexity of the complex located just steps from Piazza Castello, an integral part of an architectural and urban system of extraordinary value. This area has long awaited redevelopment and full use. The complex, which already houses the University of Turin's Aula Magna in the Maneggio Chiablese, will house the new headquarters of the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation in the Ala del Mosca, while the nearby Pagliere will host a cultural hub. The City of Turin has planned a multipurpose cultural space in the Maneggio Alfieri; next door, the Corpo delle Guardie will house a Research Node of the University of Turin dedicated to culture, creativity, and art. The Cavallerizza complex will also include the Polo delle Arti, a new center for specialization and higher education, hosted by the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti, the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Turin, and the Fondazione Collegio Einaudi, located in the wings overlooking Via Verdi and toward the Teatro Regio. It will also include a world-class hospitality facility built by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti in the buildings of the former Military Academy.
As a complement to the exhibition at Urban Lab, the public program includes a series of meetings, guided tours, and workshops for schools, starting in the fall.