by InTrieste
The storied Miramare Castle is embarking on a new chapter. This week, the castle’s Historical Museum and Park announced the appointment of a commission tasked with selecting a proposal to oversee the enhancement and management of the estate’s café and contemporary greenhouses.
The initiative, spearheaded by museum director Andreina Contessa, marks an effort to integrate a special public-private partnership model into the castle’s governance. The arrangement, Contessa said, aims to transform Miramare into a more dynamic cultural site while preserving its historical significance.
“We are particularly pleased to see that a significant number of operators have submitted proposals,” Contessa said in a statement. “This is a clear indication of how attractive the area has become, as entrepreneurs choose to invest in it with sensitivity and a sense of responsibility.”
The commission, which will evaluate the submitted proposals in the coming weeks, is composed of a panel of experts in cultural management. Leading the team is architect Tiziana Maffei, Director General of the Royal Palace of Caserta. She is joined by Roberto Vannata, a senior official from Italy’s Directorate General of Museums, and Marta Nardin, a communications specialist from the Historical Museum of Miramare. Lawyer Elisa Adamic will serve as the recording secretary.
Proposals will be assessed based on several key factors, including the quality of the proposed partnership, the experience of the applicants, environmental sustainability, and the feasibility of their vision for the café and greenhouses. In particular, the commission will weigh how effectively each proposal integrates Miramare’s cultural heritage with modern innovation.
“With this special public-private partnership, we hope to usher in a new era in the governance of cultural heritage,” Contessa said. “This model fosters collaboration between cultural institutions and private entities, opening the door for new and creative approaches to revitalization.”
The project is part of a broader movement in Italy toward modernizing the management of cultural landmarks, balancing preservation with economic sustainability. If successful, Miramare’s approach could serve as a model for other historic sites looking to attract investment while maintaining their cultural integrity.
For now, as the commission deliberates, visitors to Miramare can continue to enjoy the castle’s sweeping seaside views—soon, perhaps, with a revitalized café and greenhouses enhancing the experience.
