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.
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.”
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’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.
