Non-invasive lighting enhances Palazzo Maffei in Verona

Palazzo Maffei with its magnificent Baroque facade forms the scenic backdrop to the north-west side of Verona's Piazza delle Erbe. Recently restored, the historic building today houses the private art collection of entrepreneur Luigi Carlon, with over 350 works ranging from the 14th century to the most important authors of the 20th century: from Picasso to Boccioni, from Morandi to Fontana.
The renovation of the interior and the arrangement of the works were designed by studio Baldessari e Baldessari Architetti e Designers and follow Gabriella Belli's museographic idea. Particularly important is the outdoor lighting design, which Paolo Baldessari conceived with the assistance of Performance iN Lighting. In order to deal with the monumental context, products with compact dimensions, non-invasive and miniaturised technologies were chosen.

The facade is one of the most important elements of the building and, of course, the first focus of the lighting design. In order to enhance the five openings on the ground floor and its rich decorative motifs, NOTTURNO 1000 linear projectors with elliptical optics were chosen to illuminate the radiating surfaces. On the second floor, five NOTTURNO 500 projectors with circular optics highlight the pilasters between the openings and the high frieze with its extensive floral motifs, creating an interesting contrast of light and shadow. The six statues of gods sculpted on the crown of the building are illuminated in a dramatic manner by FOCUS+ ZERO spotlights. In order to dialogue with the shades of the walls, which have been restored to their original splendour, all the luminaires installed are in warm 3,000K colour tones.

To highlight the courtyard entrance, bi-emission MIMIK 20 FLAT wall-mounted luminaires were chosen. These illuminate the upper vault of the arch serving as the entrance and the corresponding floor. This creates a luminous backdrop that is the ideal prelude to the open space inside. Part of the large courtyard is dedicated to the restaurant. In this area, dozens of MIMIK 20 wall-mounted luminaires with 3,000 K colour temperature, each equipped with an accessory camouflaging frame, ensure that the surface area is the same as that of the walls. This minimises the visual impact of the installed product and enhances the lighting effect when the device is in operation. One of the main elements of the Palazzo is the helicoidal stone staircase that gives access to the exhibition spaces, starting from the cellars and ending at the roof, without resting on any central support. Its five statues are illuminated by small SPIDER+ 10 projectors at 3,000 K.