Founded in 1872, and a reference point for international publishing ever since, Turin bookstore Libreria Internazionale Luxemburg has a new headquarters, the project completed by architecture and design practice BRH+ and also home to Italy’s smallest ‘literary cafeteria.’
Located inside the Galleria Subalpina, a tasteful 19th century passage in the heart of the city centre that connects Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto, the new premises blends refined interiors and custom-made furniture to create an environment where heritage merges with contemporary taste, providing a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
The bookshop’s new facility is the result of the union of three buildings, and now sits over 216 square metres, and has undergone extensive renovation. Along with the design of the small adjacent café, the project saw BRH+ collaborate with a host of Italian brands, including lighting by Ilti Luce and NEMO Lighting, with custom made marble countertops by Sommo Marmi and ceramic tiling from Mutina.
The central counter of the café is adorned with Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec’s Rombini tile, while Michael Anastassiades’ Fringe collection was chosen for the walls and floor. The ceiling of the cash desk space is covered with Adagio, a series of ceramic modules designed by Ronan Bouroullec. For the bathrooms of the bookshop the ceramics are also by Mutina, featuring Mattonelle Margherita by Nathalie Du Pasquier.
The new cafeteria is the result of a collaboration with Caffè Baratti & Milano, a beloved spot in the Galleria since its inception. Housed in a tiny premise overlooking Via Cesare Battisti, the intimate space counts as Italy‘s smallest literary café at just 13 square metres.
Bringing a slice of history into the present, BRH+’s work for Libreria Internazionale Luxemburg is an exercise in sophistication and sensitive updating of period properties.
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@librerialuxemburg
Libreria Internazionale Luxemburg Torino Photography, Pepe Fotografia.
