XNL Piacenza, in the historic centre of Piacenza, is the center for the development of new contemporary languages created by the Piacenza and Vigevano Foundation and opened in 2020.
A place where art, theatre, and music coexist and mutually influence one another. Emphasizing both the relationship between artistic and educational practices, while also focusing on the experience of the arts through exhibitions, screenings, concerts, and performances, the center hosts higher education projects and offers a range of activities, workshops, and meetings tailored to both school audiences and adults.
XNL is the contraction of consonants for “Ex-Enel”. When the Foundation of Piacenza and Vigevano acquired the building in the early 2000s, people referred to it by this name because it used to house the offices of the Italian National Energy Authority (ENEL).
Built in 1907 to house a folding-carton plant and a lithography, in 1919 the edifice was acquired by the Italian Federation of Agrarian Consortia, extensively renovated, and given its present appearance. The renovation project was signed by Guido Tirelli, an engineer and architect from Reggio Emilia, while the decoration was commissioned to a group of contemporary artists including the local painter Luciano Ricchetti, author of the allegorical paintings you can admire in the staircase.
In the 30s, the Federation moved to Rome and the building was purchased by Brioschi Electricity Company, which subsequently became Emiliana Electricity Company and, in the early 60s, was merged into ENEL. XNL building served as administrative offices for ENEL until the 90s, when it was bought by an investment fund. At the beginning of the new century, the building was eventually acquired by the Foundation of Piacenza and Vigevano.
