Prague, Italian Cultural Institute celebrates 2 June and its centenary
“This year, 2 June in Prague is an opportunity to celebrate twice, since Italy’s Republic Day coincides with the celebrations for the centenary of the foundation of the Italian Cultural Institute, the heart and driving force of our country’s cultural diplomacy and a tangible symbol of the profound friendship that unites the Czech Republic and Italy”.
That’s what Ambassador Mauro Marsili said as he greeted more than 800 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, politicians, journalists, entrepreneurs, representatives of the scientific community and of the major national cultural institutions, who came to the Institute’s gardens to attend this double anniversary that the Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute (the oldest of the entire network of Italian Cultural Institutes), directed by Alberta Lai, decided to celebrate with a special programme, involving the venues used for the reception, the renovated Baroque pavilion, the refurbished interior facades and the regenerated garden.
Other initiatives include the exhibition “Italiae. From Alinari to the masters of modern photography”, to be staged until 23 June in the Baroque Chapel and in the Institute’s Chapter House, the projection of several videos produced for the “beIT” national promotion campaign recently launched by the Farnesina and the presentation of the clip “Circolare, Circolare!”, produced by the Embassy as part of the “Green Farnesina” initiative. The Risorgimento was not neglected, as the Eleutheria Foundation of Prague, chaired by Augusto Razetto, presented the comic novel (in Czech and Italian) “Silvio Pellico. Spielberg 1822 – 2022”.
The reception was opened by the Prague Castle Military Band, which performed the Italian and Czech national anthems, while the government’s greetings were given by the Minister of Agriculture, Zdenek Nekula.
