As part of a new “architectural diplomacy” initiative launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), in synergy with the Ministry of Culture – Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity – the first exhibition dedicated to Italian architecture around the world was inaugurated in Venice on 8 May, in view of the opening of the 19th International Architecture Biennale held on Saturday, 10 May. The exhibition will then travel abroad through the network of Embassies, Consulates and Italian Cultural Institutes of the MAECI.
For the first time, the Italian Foreign Ministry is present with its own initiative within the framework of the most important international event dedicated to architecture, thanks to a collaboration that, alongside the Ministry of Culture, also involved several prestigious Italian universities, including IUAV University of Venice, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of L’Aquila.
In line with the project “ArchITettura Senza Confini / ArchITettura Beyond Borders”, through which the two Ministries aim to promote the work of Italian architects who have contributed to urban and infrastructural development across various parts of the world – both historically and in contemporary times – the travelling exhibition “Italian Architecture Worldwide” marks the first attempt to provide a meaningful overview of Italian architecture abroad through a narrative that is set to evolve with new research and collaborations.
By retracing the opportunities of an extensive and diverse international design activity, the exhibition in Venice seeks to highlight the role played by Italian professionals in shaping the human environment on a global scale, through a collection of works either built or envisioned in different historical and geographical contexts. In addition to promoting the Made in Italy expertise and the Italian planning ability, the project also brings to light many lesser-known works, despite the significance they already hold within the international architectural heritage and landscape.
