Apple’s Beautiful New Store In Rome Takes On Its Historic Architecture

By Mikelle Leow, 26 May 2021

Image via Apple

In Apple’s latest retail store, past and present collide. The new Apple Via del Corso in Rome, Italy blends the tech giant’s sleek maple wood display tables and floor-to-ceiling windows into the architecture of the old Palazzo Marignoli.

Opening on May 27, the two-story retail outlet preserves a grand staircase from 1888, connecting patrons to the ballroom of the Marquis’s palazzo, where Today at Apple sessions will be held.

Throughout the space, visitors will be surrounded by the palazzo’s original detailing of Carrara marble, with intricate hand-painted ceilings hovering over them—Apple says it took conservators thousands of hours to restore the ceilings. Natural sunlight seeps through the windows, bringing to light every exquisite detail.

The landscaped terrace on the first floor gets pops of green with jasmine vines and olive trees, an ode to Roman roof terraces.

Palazzo Marignoli was constructed in 1873 by architect Salvatore Bianchi to serve as the home of Marquis Filippo Marignoli. It was also the venue of Caffè Aragno, a famous gathering place of artists, writers, and actors during its heyday. The building was later renovated by architect Giulio Podesti, according to Apple’s press release.

Paying homage to the cafè, Apple Via del Corso also revives artwork previously displayed there, along with graffiti panels from 1950 by Italian painter Afro Basaldella.