Since March 19, 2024, its home is on the main floor of Palazzo Grazioli in central Rome, near parliament, the president's palace, and Piazza Venezia. The headquarters is in one of the most venerable buildings in the capital, owned noble Roman Grazioli family since the mid-1800s. Its previous occupants have included former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi and a Spanish princess.Journalist offices are not typically known for glamorous interiors, but frescoed ceilings, chandeliers, or baroque mirrors are part of the palazzo’s historic architecture.
NPC member visits Associazione Stampa Estera in Rome, an NPC reciprocal club
One of the member benefits of the National Press Club is the opportunity to visit and use the facilities at 69 reciprocal clubs located in cities across the U.S. and abroad. Member Maria San Jose visited Associazione Stampa Estera, the home of the Foreign Press Association in Italy.
Here is her report:
Associazione Stampa Estera -- the Stampa Estera for short -- was founded in 1912. Today, the members include 450 correspondents from 350 media outlets worldwide.
The elegant Correspondents Restaurant. Photo by Maria San Jose
The visit starts by ascending the red carpeted marble staircase and passing an ornate doorway into the sprawling 1,600 square-meter office bathed in natural light from large glass windows. The wide corridors contain many plants and several reading spaces stocked with daily and weekly publications, which also serve as conversation corners. There are two press conference rooms - that makes it ‘the nerve center of activities’ — one with 80 seats and the smaller one with 35 seats. The press rooms are equipped with all technological services, including camera platform, audio video system for streaming and remote connections.
There is an iconic mirrored bar with an adjoining panoramic veranda, as well as a conference room, popularly used for meetings, interviews, and workshops. Next door is the Correspondents’ Restaurant, where members and guests can experience Italian-agri food and wine. Dining here is a chance to catch up with colleagues and an opportunity to meet members.
The venue attracts government ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries. It is a meeting point between Italy and the world. As stated on their website, The Foreign Press Association in Italy offers correspondents a place to work, discover stories, exchange contacts, meet newsmakers, and socialize with Italian and foreign colleagues.
If you intend to visit a reciprocal club, notify the NPC Membership Department, specify the club you hope to visit and your planned dates. A letter of introduction will be sent on your behalf. The reciprocal club may request additional information before confirming your request.