The institutional headquarters of the Benetton Foundation for Studies and Research is located in the historic center of Treviso and is formed by the Palazzo Bomben and Caotorta. Both palaces are built on ancient buildings, dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, partly incorporated into subsequent modifications that occurred continuously until the mid-20th century. In 1944, the rear part of Palazzo Bomben was hit by a bombing, which led to the subsequent collapse of the roof, floors, and part of the walls. In 1999, when restoration work began – curated by architect Tobia Scarpa – the damage caused during the Second World War was somewhat insignificant compared to those due to the serious state of neglect in which both palaces were. The complex intervention, completed in 2003, gave new life to the whole. All open spaces have taken the form of an exclusively pedestrian urban garden. Palazzo Caotorta is particularly the headquarters for research, scientific design, editorial work, and the documentation center. The renovated spaces of Palazzo Bomben host the public scientific and educational initiatives organized by the Foundation, and offer the city suitable environments for various cultural public events. In addition to Palazzo Bomben and Caotorta, the Benetton Foundation for Studies and Research carries out part of its cultural activities in the church of San Teonisto and at Ca’ Scarpa, in Treviso, and at the Luisa and Gaetano Cozzi house in Zero Branco (Treviso).

Photo credit: Antonia Mulas and Corrado Piccoli