Housed in the historic Palazzo Donizetti on Via Gaetano Donizetti 48, the installation forms part of Artemest’s annual exhibition celebrating Italian craftsmanship and design. This year’s edition introduces a new curatorial chapter dedicated to Italian grandeur, paying tribute to the enduring magnetism of Italy’s artistic legacy, architectural language and exceptional craftsmanship.
Set within the palazzo’s oval dining room, the scheme preserves the space’s historic architecture, including its boiserie, frescoed ceiling, carved marble fireplace and generous proportions. David Rockwell approached the room as a contemporary reimagining of Naples, drawing on the city’s dynamic character, at once raw and refined, sacred and playful.
Throughout the room, objects blur the line between art and function. Plates are mounted on the walls as artworks, while framed pieces become trays for food and towers of drinkware. Sculptural vessels and tableware shift between utility and ornament, creating a setting that feels informal and lived-in. Subtle references to the feast appear throughout the design, from arranged table settings left deliberately askew to a carpet that suggests wine spilled long ago.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
