La Venaria Reale

The Venaria Reale (Royal game reserve) is a monumental complex near Turin housing one of the most important centers for art and culture in Italy.

Buildings and site
The Venaria Reale complex is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. The estate includes the Royal residence, a Baroque palace built in the 17th century by Duke Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy, 80 hectares of gardens, the 17th-century historical village of Venaria, and the 6,500-hectare La Mandria park. The complex includes the Church of St. Hubertus and a series of grandiose stables, both designed by the Italian architect Filippo Juvarra in the 18th century.

What to see and do at the Venaria
Since its re-opening in 2007 after a major regeneration, the 860,000 square-foot Royal palace contains a permanent exhibition showcasing the palace itself and its architecture, the many pieces of art that decorate it, and site-specific contemporary works, such as two soundtracks by the famous British composers Brian Eno and Michael Nyman, various multimedia installations by Peter Greenaway, and a series of sculptural works by Giuseppe Penone, located in the gardens.
Nevertheless, more than a traditional museum, the Venaria Reale is a large culture and leisure center which regularly hosts major temporary exhibitions – usually presented in a 54,000 square-foot exhibition facility housed in the Juvarra stables, music concerts, live performances, workshops, educational programs, and special events.

Additional services
The Royal residence complex includes an art restoration center, Italian-style gardens, a large park, bookshops, cafeterias, and a gourmet restaurant.

Photos courtesy of La Venaria Reale