Chef Massimo Bottura Opens Posh Hotel in Modena

Massimo Bottura wears many crowns. The chef-patron of Osteria Francescana has spent decades ensuring that his restaurant remains among the most influential in the world. Beyond creating iconic dishes, Bottura has authored several books and co-founded a non-profit organisation focused on raising awareness around food waste and social inclusion.

His latest venture marked a significant step beyond the kitchen: the move into hospitality. Bottura had long expressed the desire to open an inn near Modena—an idea rooted in his belief that food, art, and place should coexist under one roof. For a broader view of Bottura’s career and projects in the region, see our complete profile of Massimo Bottura and his restaurants in Modena.

The project took shape when Bottura and his wife, Lara Gilmore, rescued a 200-year-old estate on the outskirts of Modena from foreclosure. Once a venue for lavish local gatherings, the property was carefully restored over two years with the help of friends and collaborators sharing an eclectic aesthetic vision.

Renamed Casa Maria Luigia after Bottura’s mother, the estate spans roughly 12 acres and lies about 20 minutes outside Modena. The property features a limited number of rooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, music room, and a sculpture garden—designed not as a conventional luxury hotel, but as a lived-in cultural space.

Looking for an authentic food experience?
Join our Foodie’s Delight Tour – Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar & cured meats in one unforgettable day.

Art plays a central role in the experience. Bottura and Gilmore envisioned Casa Maria Luigia as a place where guests could encounter contemporary works alongside food. Pieces by internationally recognised artists, including Tracey Emin, Matthew Barney, and Andy Warhol, contribute to an environment that blurs the boundaries between hospitality and gallery.

For guests primarily drawn by cuisine, the estate includes an informal eat-in kitchen serving breakfast and light lunches curated by Bottura himself. Those wishing to experience his flagship cuisine may also pre-book a table at Osteria Francescana, just a short drive away.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with local symbols of Emilia-Romagna: Lambrusco and Parmigiano Reggiano. These gestures reflect Bottura’s enduring commitment to regional identity, even within an international, art-driven setting.

At the time of opening, room rates positioned Casa Maria Luigia firmly within the luxury segment. While pricing placed it beyond the reach of most travellers, the project was never intended as a mass-market hotel. Instead, it represents Bottura’s broader philosophy: hospitality as a cultural encounter rather than a commercial formula.