News

Foreign Works of Art Loaned to Italy for Exhibitions Cannot Be Seized: New Law in Effect as of August 12

On August 12, 2026, the new law—published in the Official Gazette—will take effect, governingthe exemption from seizure of foreign works of art and cultural property loaned to Italy for temporary exhibitions. The measure aims to strengthen internatio...
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Farewell to Simone Forti, a pioneer of postmodern dance and contemporary performance

Simone Forti, an Italian-American artist considered one of the most influential figures in the history of postmodern dance and contemporary performance, has passed away at the age of 91. The news of her passing marks the end of an artistic journey th...
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Claudio Strinati Appointed President of the Higher Council for Cultural Heritage

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has expanded the Higher Council for Cultural Heritage and Landscape by appointing art historian Claudio Strinati as chair of the Ministry’s technical-scientific advisory body. The appointment takes effect on Ju...
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Greece: Mount Olympus is Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest peak and a symbol of Greek mythology, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The designation was approved during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, South Korea, from July 19...
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London: They attached a photo of a mother from Gaza to a Picasso and defaced the floor—the culprits

Two activists from the British group Youth Demand were found guilty of criminal damage after they targeted a painting by Pablo Picasso at the National Gallery in London in October 2024 as part of a protest in support of Palestine. According to The Te...
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The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza will close in 2027 for a one-year restoration project

The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza is preparing to undergo one of the most significant restoration and consolidation projects in its recent history. The famous building designed by Andrea Palladio—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered...
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The Palestinian site of Sebastia has been designated a World Heritage Site, despite Israel's opposition

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has approved the inscription of the archaeological site of Sebastia, in the West Bank (Palestine), and the complex of castles in the Jabal Amel region of Lebanon, to the World Heritage List and, at the same time, ...
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Val Gardena: The Summer Academy Returns—Two Weeks Dedicated to Drawing and Sculpture

From July 20 to August 1, 2026, the Val Gardena Summer Academy ( or Accademia Estiva) returns—an intensive program dedicated to drawing, sculpture, and plaster casting techniques, organizedby the La Vëta association. Now in its eighth edition, t...
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Ukraine: Ancient Chersonesos Taurica Added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger

The ancient city of Chersonesos Taurica and its chora ( i.e., the agricultural areas surrounding the settlement), located on the Crimean Peninsula inRussian-occupied Ukraine , have been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. Th...
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Trump has signs posted in front of the Smithsonian protesting its alleged “inaccurate information”

A new chapter in the clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and the Smithsonian Institution: Trump has signed an executive order mandating the installation of temporary signage outside the National Museum of American History in Washington to warn ...
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Italian-style community theaters are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The system of 18th- and 19th-century Italian-style community theatersin central Italy has been officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision was made by the World Heritage Committee during its 48th session, held in Busan, South Kor...
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The Cattolica in Stilo reopens on July 29 following PNRR renovations

The Catholic Church of Stilo, one of Italy’s most important Byzantine sites, is reopening its doors to visitors after nearly a year of closure. Starting Wednesday, July 29, 2026, one of the most iconic monuments of Calabria’s cultural her...
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Palermo Says Goodbye to Horse-Drawn Carriages: Green Light for the Transition to Electric Vehicles

Palermo is embarking on a process that will lead to the gradual phase-out of horse-drawn carriages used for tourist transportation. The City Council has approved an amendment to Article 40 of the regulations governing public street services using ani...
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Porto Recanati Reopens the Swabian Castle: Walls, Tower, and Watchtowers Restored

Porto Recanati (Macerata) is returning one of its most iconic landmarks to the community: following a major restoration and revitalization project, the Castello Svevo has officially reopened to the public, with the restoration of the walls, the rampa...
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Farewell to Michele De Luca, abstract painter, poet, and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome

Michele De Luca, a painter, poet, and teacher who was one of the most highly regarded figures in Italian contemporary art, has passed away after an incurable illness. Born in Pitelli, a village in the province of La Spezia, on May 28, 1954, he maint...
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Cloe Piccoli to Lead Miart: Appointed Artistic Director for the 2027–2029 Term

Fiera Milano has appointed Cloe Piccoli as the new artistic director of miart for the 2027–2029 term. This decision is part of the development strategy through which the fair organizer intends to support the evolution of the event, building on the we...
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