The 6000-square-meter industrial complex in the neighborhood of San Cristoforo, in Catania, used to be a factory for producing licorice and processing nuts.

It has also served as a garrison, a storage facility, and joinery. Now it is home to Fondazione Brodbeck, founded by industrialist Paolo Brodbeck in 2007, which aims to transform the region into an international art nexus. So far the commitment has entailed the renovation of a section of the industrial area and a chance to rethink the entire neighborhood. Brodbeck’s collecting is equally sweeping: Arte Povera and Gruppo Forma, as well as international artists like Louise Bourgeois, Tony Cragg, and Julian Opie. With an eye to the future, Brodbeck supports young artists through a residency program. So far, it has hosted artists such as João Maria Gusmão + Pedro Paiva, whose works have found their way into Brodbeck’s esteemed compendium.

Fondazione Brodbeck is featured in the BMW ART GUIDE by INDEPENDENT COLLECTORS.

For more information visit Fondazione Brodbeck.

All images courtesy of Fondazione Brodbeck.