The Albergo dei Poveri in Genoa can host company events and private initiatives in named historic rooms, including the Sala delle Statue, the Galleria Uomini and the Sala delle Adunanze. The complex stands on Piazzale Emanuele Brignole and is run as a cultural site, so each event is arranged by agreement with the management.
Seminars and company events
The official site says companies, private individuals and organizations can hold their own events and initiatives in the building. Three rooms are named: the Sala delle Statue, the Galleria Uomini and the Sala delle Adunanze. Other locations in the complex are also available, but the site does not describe them. Access can be arranged outside normal opening hours, which suits an evening reception or a private visit for a team.
Use of a space is granted through a temporary concession agreement. It is subject to safety requirements and to the cultural interest of the collection housed in the building. The fee is set case by case, depending on the type of event, its characteristics, its complexity and its duration.
Rooms and capacities
The site gives no capacity, floor area or seating layout for any room. Ask the management for these figures before you plan a seminar, a dinner or a standing reception, and ask which rooms can be used for which format. The Sala delle Adunanze is the name to raise first for a meeting, since assembly is what the room was built for, while the Sala delle Statue and the Galleria Uomini suit a reception among the collection.
Services offered with a rental include Wi-Fi, an audio and video projection system, photo and video recording, congress assistance, graphic design and communication, a digital press office and web services.
Weddings and receptions
The official page on space rental does not list weddings or dinners among the permitted uses. Treat these as questions to put to the management rather than as part of the standard offer.
Catering
The rental page does not describe catering options or rules. Confirm with the management whether an outside caterer may work in the building and where food service is allowed.
History and setting
The Albergo dei Poveri was founded in Genoa in the middle of the 17th century by the nobleman Emanuele Brignole. The site gives 1652 as the starting year. It was a charitable institution that offered shelter, food and schooling to the poorest people of the city.
The building has a quadrilateral plan. The long front is formed by two projecting side wings and a central block with a varied profile. A church stands inside, surrounded by four large courtyards. From the entrance atrium, two staircases lead up to the upper portico, where statues, reliefs and plaques honor the institution's benefactors.
Over more than three centuries the complex has kept paintings, sculpture, sacred vestments and antique furniture. Restoration work on the finest pieces of furniture has been funded by the Italian ministry in charge of culture and tourism. Textiles from the 17th to the 19th century, restored by the heritage authority, are displayed in cases. The building also hosts concerts and takes part in the Rolli Days, when it opens to guided visits.
Getting there
The address is Piazzale Emanuele Brignole 2, Genoa. From Brignole station, buses 39, 40 and 640 stop at Albergo dei Poveri and Università. From Principe station, walk to Via Balbi and take the elevator up to Corso Dogali, then walk a short distance to the building. A funicular runs between Largo Zecca and Corso Carbonara. The site links to the Genoa airport website but gives no directions.
