A 20th CENTURY PALAZZO TRANSFORMED INTO
A LIVING
WORK OF ART
BY ANIA DZIEŻEWSKA & VOLKER SCHEURER
"Our search for a quiet art studio
in Tuscany led us to a forgotten palazzo in Garfagnana."
The story of Villa d'Arte Toscana began with a search of a quiet studio space in Tuscany, where artists Ania Dzieżewska and Volker Scheurer could create their art surrounded by nature, while their pugs roamed freely.
In 2021, they found the forgotten Palazzo Poleschi, a beautiful Art Nouveau building that had been vacant for 30 years.
Our Story
Founded by Matteo Poleschi in 1922
The palazzo was built as a salumeria, bar, restaurant, and guesthouse.
The Poleschi family played a central role in Nicciano’s life, owning seven houses in the village.
Over the years, Palazzo Poleschi became the area’s main gathering point, the only business house in the surroundings.
During World War II, it was briefly converted into a hospital and military outpost, yet it returned to its previous function soon after.
For decades, locals passed through its doors to eat, drink, work, rest, or meet friends.
The building eventually fell silent, uninhabited for nearly three decades.
The Transformation
From Palazzo Poleschi to Villa d'Arte Toscana
Kunstraum
Long before they bought Palazzo Poleschi, Ania and Volker built their artistic home in industrial space. In 2001, Volker transformed an old concrete-mixing plant in Weil am Rhein into Kunstraum Kieswerk, now a protected industrial monument and their main studio and gallery.
For decades, Ania and Volker have invited artists to work, exhibit, and experiment there — establishing a truly international residency program.
Their artistic mission also led them to Berlin. In Friedenau, they founded Kunstraum Berlin, a studio and gallery that reflects their commitment to community and international exchange.
Villa d'Arte Toscana
Kunstraum Kieswerk
Kunstraum Berlin
When Ania and Volker stepped inside Palazzo Poleschi for the first time, the house was full of dust, cracked plaster, and forgotten objects.
But the structure was solid, the original floors intact, and the potential immense.
Since 2022, they have been restoring the villa room by room — painting, repairing, rebuilding, and filling it with artworks.
Some furniture came with the house, some from flea markets, others from their other ateliers; many pieces were handmade or reworked to fit the space.
Nothing was renovated to erase the past.
Instead, the layers of time became part of the identity:
the old marble floors, the original terracotta tiles, the worn banisters, fresco fragments, and the marks of history still visible on the walls.
Today, the villa is a mix of old and new — a place where Art Nouveau architecture meets contemporary painting, sculpture, and design.
Become Part of the Story
Experience Villa d'Arte Toscana
Villa d’Arte Toscana isn’t just a place to stay - it’s an invitation to be part of something creative and evolving.
Let the mountains, the art, and the atmosphere inspire you.
The Rooms
Stay in a living gallery. Immerse yourself in our artist-designed rooms, each a unique work of art.
Art Residencies
A dedicated space for creation. We welcome artists from around the world to stay and focus on their craft.
Workshops
Artists and groups are invited to host their own workshops, or join existing ones. Gather your students or fellow creatives and plan your stay.
Events
Our historic gallery spaces and gardens host exhibitions and events. Artists are invited to showcase their work.
Volker Scheurer & Ania Dzieżewska
Villa d'Arte Toscana is a haven for creatives, art lovers, and the community.