26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Inside PM23, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti's new exhibition space in Rome, designed to nurture future creatives: its inaugural show pays tribute to Valentino's signature colour
Since its inception in 2016, the Fondazione
Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti has quietly championed charitable causes, lending support to families in need, and backing special projects at Rome's Bambino Gesù Hospital and Policlinico Gemelli. Now, this philanthropic endeavour is stepping into the spotlight with the grand opening of the foundation's new cultural hub, marking a significant milestone for the organisation and its founders.
PM23 is a new exhibition space in Rome, founded by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti. Photo: Handout
Nestled in Rome's historic Piazza Mignanelli, just a stone's throw from the iconic Valentino atelier, the foundation's new home, PM23, is a former school and printing house once belonging to Propaganda Fide – now transformed into a space set to become a vibrant international hub for arts, fashion and culture.
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During the filming of Matt Tyrnauer's 2008 documentary on his life, Valentino: The Last Emperor, Garavani famously said, 'I love beauty; it's not my fault.' Far more than just an exhibition space, PM23 is conceived as a platform designed to nurture emerging talents and champion artistic projects that echo the founders' enduring philosophy: 'Beauty creates beauty.'
Jeff Koons' Balloon Venus Lespugue welcomes guests to PM23. Photo: Handout
The inaugural exhibition, 'Horizons/Red', pays homage to the bold colour that has become synonymous with Valentino since the
designer's debut collection in 1959 . Having opened to the public on May 25, the showcase brings together 30 artworks on loan from institutions, private collectors, as well as Valentino and Giammetti's own collection, featuring works by luminaries such as
Pablo Picasso
Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, among others. All this sits alongside 50 archival dresses in Valentino red. Setting the tone for the exhibition, American artist Jeff Koons' Balloon Venus Lespugue, a vivid red sculpture, welcomes guests at the entrance.
In an announcement about the foundation's new project, Garavani and Giammetti said: 'We believe beauty has the power to elevate, transform and leave an indelible mark on people's lives. Through the foundation, we wish to share and give back to the world what beauty has given us, by supporting talent, creativity and culture, ensuring they remain a source of inspiration just as they have been for us. We firmly believe that fostering talent, promoting culture and helping those in need are tangible ways to make the world a better place.'
PM23 is currently showcasing 50 archival dresses, all in Valentino red. Photo: Handout
PM23's ambition to be a cornerstone for creativity and innovation is reflected in the foundation's goal of hosting one or two major exhibitions each year. These will be complemented by workshops and competitions aimed at empowering the next generation of creatives, with the space set to become an arena for artistic exploration and social engagement.
