Palazzetto Cenci
Since 1963, the Palazzetto Cenci has been home to RISD's European Honors Program (EHP) and the focal point of every RISD student’s experience in Rome. A historic site in its own right, the Palazzetto dates back to the 16th century and was once inhabited by the notorious Cenci family.
Today, the Palazzetto is a home, a workplace, and an event space: replete with private studios, a dormitory, and 3 renovated kitchens, as well as a darkroom and print shop, a library with computer lab, and a gallery space. The space is centered around the Beatrice room, a stunning gallery and lecture hall with original frescos and a rare copy of Guido Reni's portrait of Beatrice Cenci.
Located in the heart of Rome’s Centro Storico, the Cenci is within walking distance of the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, as well as countless museums, galleries, and contemporary art spaces. From its doors, you can easily access everything from ancient Roman columns to Renaissance canvasses to contemporary exhibitions and installations.


History + Location
History
Designed between 1579 and 1585 by architect Martino Longhi il Vecchio, and erected by the Cenci Family to celebrate their wealth and social status, the palazzetto was originally connected via internal passageways to older, medieval buildings also owned by the Cenci family. This ensemble of properties occupied an entire urban insula delimited by the Tiber River and the Jewish Ghetto. RISD students who live there are inspired by views of the Tiber and surviving frescos painted by Giovanni Guerra da Modena in 1583 and dedicated to Pope Gregorio XIII. The surrounding neighborhood serves students' daily needs, with a vast array of shops, restaurants, and fresh markets.
Location
RISD’s site in Rome is also in close proximity to the prestigious American Academy in Rome, as well as other American university campuses such as Cornell University, Temple University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Washington, American University of Rome, John Cabot University, and Iowa State University College of Design. This gives RISD students in Rome the opportunity to attend final reviews and interesting public lectures in English at these peer institutions, as well as a chance to interact with other students who are having a similar off-campus experience.
EHP Fall 2018 final crits; Pictured: Shane Daly BFA PT 19; Photo: Valeria Albani

EHP Fall 18 final crits in the Beatrice Room. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

EHP Fall 18 final crits. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada. Pictured: Ka Hyun Kim BArch 20.

EHP Fall 18 final exhibition in the Beatrice Room. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

EHP Fall 2018 final crits; Pictured: Sam Wong GD. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

in the studio, EHP Fall 2018; Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada
EHP Fall 18 final crits. Pictured: Aaron Broadbent PT 19. Photo: Valeria Albani

Tool Room. Credit: Yvonne Liang PR 21, EHP Spring 20

Dark room. Credit: Yvonne Liang PR 21, EHP Spring 20

Print shop. Credit: Yvonne Liang PR 21, EHP Spring 20
Academic Facilities
Lecture + Event Spaces
Include the Beatrice Room and internal courtyard.
Studios
The much loved spacious studio spaces of the Palazzetto Cenci once served as the interior living quarters of the Cenci family.
Library
The library boasts impressive frescoes alongside modern computer equipment, and an eclectic collection of texts - from art history manuscripts to travel guidebooks.
Darkroom
A working chemical darkroom for processing black and white photography.
Print Shop
Equipped for intaglio and lithography, the print shop in the Cenci includes a press and space for creating and drying prints.
Tool Room
A collection of hand tools and supplies are available for individual use by students in project work.

Palazzetto Cenci kitchen. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

Palazzetto Cenci kitchen. Pictured: Shane Daly PT 19; Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

Palazzetto Cenci kitchen. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

Palazzetto Cenci kitchen. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

Palazzetto Cenci kitchen. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

Palazzetto Cenci kitech. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada

EHP Fall 2018, inside the kitchen. Pictured: Brenton Duhan Brown University Arch 19, Grant Mahan PT 19. Photo: Mariagrazia Moncada
Residential Facilities
Dorms
Simple dorm-style student housing with capacity for 22 people.
Kitchens
The Cenci features three modern, newly refurbished kitchens and six refrigerators - enough shelf space for each participant to utilize a semi-private storage area.
Student Lounges
Space to relax and decompress is available in both the living and learning quarters of the palazzetto.
RISD in Rome Staff
On-site program staff with decades of experience ensure personal care and attention to students’ needs and coordinate on-site events. See RISD in Rome.
Events
No upcoming events for this program at this time.