At an elevation of 1,370 meters, in the heart of the Gesso Valley, the new
Visitor Center of the Maritime Alps Natural Park in Terme di Valdieri showcases the region through an exhibition that combines architecture, exhibition design, and educational content. Officially reopened on May 29, 2026, the Center spans two rooms with a total area of 110 square meters and is designed as a hub for hikers and visitors interested in learning about the natural, geological, and historical heritage of the Maritime Alps.
For Saglietti Group, the project represented a new opportunity to engage with the design of exhibition, museum, and information spaces, translating the architectural concept into
custom-designed structures capable of integrating with the identity of the site and meeting the needs of museum communication.
A project developed in collaboration with architects and designers
The project was carried out for the
Ente Aree Protette delle Alpi Marittime, with whom we had previously collaborated on the design of the
Vernante Municipality Infopoint, which opened in June 2025. In this case as well, we worked in close collaboration with designers Sara Ambrosoli and Paolo Cavallo of the PinetS studio, who developed the basic concept. Our role was to transform their design vision into
concrete, functional, and custom-made display elements, handling the technical development, production, and installation phases.
Designing at 1,370 Meters: When Logistics Becomes Part of the Project
Working at high altitudes means dealing with conditions that are very different from those of a typical indoor installation. Design began in October 2025, while the production and assembly of the main structures were completed in a week of intense work in November. However, since the Center—which is used primarily during the summer season and has no heating—did not allow for the immediate completion of all graphic work, the solution was
to plan the project in two phases, organizing the production, transport, and application of the graphics based on road reopening schedules and weather conditions.
In particular, the application of the graphic elements required adequate temperatures to ensure proper curing and adhesion of the adhesives. For this reason, the final work was completed in late May, prior to the grand opening.
Two exhibition portals as the centerpiece of the display
At the heart of the project are two large double-sided portals, each measuring 3 by 3 meters, situated beneath the building’s trusses. Their scale and central location make them immediately recognizable within the two halls, transforming them into true exhibition spaces around which the visitor route unfolds.
The first module was designed as a large exhibition grid, characterized by a dynamic pattern of tiles. These surfaces feature texts, photographs, and content dedicated to the nature and history of the region: from alpine lakes to rocky peaks, from high-altitude flora to local fauna, with images also dedicated to the chamois and the ermine.
The exhibition alternates between contemporary nature photographs and historical black-and-white or sepia-toned images depicting the pioneers of mountaineering, mountain huts, centuries-old trees, and the ancient Royal Baths. From a structural standpoint, the element’s clean lines were achieved through a
specially engineered substructure capable of completely concealing the mounting system. No screws are visible from the outside
, maintaining the portal’s simple and orderly architecture.
The second portal is the same size as the first but features a different structural design. The two side columns have been removed, and the stability of the entire structure is provided by a substantial wooden base.
Its top surface is used as a display area to showcase a selection of rocks characteristic of the area, each accompanied by geological information and insights. Above the base, slender iron rods support large panoramic images and informational panels dedicated to the Gesso Valley and its landscape features.
The tour continues around the back of the portal, where large-format photographs and texts provide more detailed information about the surrounding mountains.
Wall Displays: Educational Panels and Stands
The project is not limited to the central structures. Along the perimeter of the two halls, various wall-mounted exhibition systems have been designed and installed to promote scientific and regional knowledge. The structures, anchored directly to the walls, rise from the floor through vertical columns and display panels, complemented by large wooden headings. The columns dedicated to wildlife combine cut-out images, descriptive fact sheets, and coordinating graphics. The same design language is used to present high-altitude flora and endemic species. Other panels are dedicated to the valley’s forests, beech trees, and broadleaf trees, while the exhibition concludes with a large hiking map of the Park, accompanied by information on regulations and best practices to follow during hikes.
The result is an exhibition system that
guides visitors through different types of content without compromising the cohesiveness of the display.
175 graphics and a two-phase production process
One of the most complex aspects of the project was
managing the 175 graphics in total. To address the site’s weather conditions, we divided the work into two phases. The first batch of panels was completed as early as November at our trusted supplier. The modules were then transported to the site with the graphics already applied, ready for installation.
For the remaining elements, however, we assembled the panels directly on-site and prepared the surfaces, carefully filling the mounting points with putty. The missing graphics were applied later by our supplier, who returned to the mountain in late spring, when temperature conditions were finally compatible with the technical requirements of the materials.
From Concept to Completion: The Value of Custom Design
The Terme di Valdieri Visitor Center demonstrates just how much a museum and educational exhibition project requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Architecture, design, production, graphic design, and installation must work in harmony from the very beginning to transform a concept into a space that can truly be enjoyed. In this project, each element was developed with consideration not only for aesthetics but also for functionality, durability, transportation methods, mounting systems, and site conditions. It is precisely in the ability to address these complexities that the design of an exhibition space finds its most concrete purpose: to create structures that do not merely contain information, but become
an integral part of the visitor’s experience.
An exhibition inspired by the local area
Special thanks go to the
Maritime Alps Protected Areas Authority for their continued trust, to architects
Sara Ambrosoli and Paolo Cavallo of the PinetS firm, who developed the basic concept, and to our designer
Daria Bergese, whose attention to detail was essential in transforming the project into an installation consistent with the Park’s identity.
Another example of how the
design of exhibition, museum, and information
spaces can serve as a
tool for highlighting and making the history and identity of a region accessible.
