Microsoft Pavilion, a restored 1942 building, will host AI and cloud experimentation for businesses, schools and institutions, and has links with the city’s Julia 3.0 AI platform.Microsoft has inaugurated its new Rome headquarters, the Microsoft Pavilion, in a restored 1942 building in the EUR district that was once known as the NATO Pavilion.  The building was originally constructed for the 1942 Universal Exposition, which never took place because of world war two. It then stood unused and neglected for many years despite its prime location.   It was acquired and fully regenerated by real estate group Kervis SGR on behalf of the GO Italia V fund, which is entirely invested by BGO. The project earned LEED Platinum certification and the 2026 IN/Arch Lazio Award in the category for redevelopment of existing buildings.   What it is Designed under the concept “Awe in the Eyes”, the Pavilion spans several levels, including an auditorium and a panoramic rooftop. Its layout reinterprets ancient Roman architectural forms such as the Forum, the Amphitheatre and the Basilica. Inside, the workplace is organised around five experiences – Gather, Experience, Meet, Focus and Work – with natural materials, water features and works by local street artists.    The site is open to clients, partners, institutions and schools. It is intended as a space for experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology, with demos and sessions covering AI agents, Copilot productivity tools, security and data management. It joins Microsoft’s Milan base, Microsoft House.Microsoft has been present in Italy for more than 40 years and in 2024 announced its largest investment in the country, €4.3 billion, for data centres, AI and digital skills. Collaboration with the city Valeria Baglio, Rome’s councillor for productive activities, equal opportunities and investment attraction, attended the opening. Microsoft Italia helped develop Julia, the city council’s official AI, which has been updated to Julia 3.0.   Originally an information assistant, Julia now lets residents request registry certificates, submit reports and book appointments through conversation. The service runs on Microsoft’s Azure cloud and OpenAI models, and has launched as a mobile app with login via SPID, CIE or CNS digital identity systems. It offers voice interaction in more than 80 languages, while data and operating rules remain under the city administration’s control.   "The collaboration between Roma Capitale and Microsoft shows how new technologies can become concrete tools to improve people’s lives," Baglio said. Schools and training Microsoft also announced a memorandum of understanding with ANP, the association of school principals and senior school professionals, to support responsible AI use among school leaders, teachers, support staff and students. The first joint event will be held at the Pavilion on 17 November.     It renewed its partnership with the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, a Rome-based foundation, through the Ital.IA Lab Community for Educators, which will end with a national teaching-innovation challenge at RomeCup next April.   A new edition of the Smart & Safe cybersecurity programme will reach 4,000 students nationwide with 90-minute sessions led by Microsoft volunteers. AI programme and context The Pavilion also hosts AI L.A.B. for Sovereignty, the fifth strand of Microsoft’s AI acceleration programme, focused on cloud and AI solutions that respect digital sovereignty and data security. It involves national partners including Aruba, FiberCop and TIM.   The wider programme has involved more than 500 companies and 38 partners in over 850 projects. According to Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute, 31.4 per cent of Italy’s working-age population used generative AI in the second quarter of 2026, but the country slipped from 25th to 26th place in the global ranking.Vincenzo Esposito, Microsoft Italia’s chief executive, said he hoped the Pavilion would become “a true innovation hub” for businesses and public administration.   Photos Microsoft Pavilion - Daniele Di Pietro per Cushman & Wakefield