Following the great flood of 1966 that devastated Venice and damaged many of the world's great art and architectural masterpieces, the international community banded together under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to launch a campaign to assist the Italian government in the safeguarding of Venice.

The America-Italy Society is proud to be one of the early members of the Private Committees for the Safeguarding of Venice, composed of more than 30 committees throughout the world raising funds to support the most urgent restorations.

The Private Committees began their work by developing a detailed inventory of churches, palaces and works of art, and then began the task of assessing current conditions and required restoration work. This inventory still guides the yearly priorities established by the Church and the Superintendents of Fine Arts.

UNESCO promotes scientific studies, prepares publications and distributes information regarding Venetian initiatives, coordinates the international efforts towards restoration, and provides a necessary liaison with the Italian government regarding this work. Also, through UNESCO efforts, new techniques in the restoration of stone, glass, and mosaics have been developed, and training centers have emerged to teach craftsman and artisans.

The work of UNESCO is concerned not only with the physical restoration of Venetian edifices and works of art, but with the physiology of rising sea levels, settling grounds, water currents, contamination, and general quality of life issues.

Art Restoration Projects in Venice Undertaken by
The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia in
Collaboration with UNESCO

• Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione: 58 ceiling panels (Umbrian School, 15th century)
  
• Cà Rezzonico: Ballroom ceiling frescoes by Giambattista Crosato (18th century)
  
• Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari: The painting of the "Assumption of the Virgin" by Titian (16th century)
  
• Palazzo Mocenigo: Fresco of "The Apotheosis of the Mocenigo Family" by Jacopo Guarana (18th century)
  
• *Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, Torcello: 12th and 13th century mosaics throughout the church interior
  
• *Ospedaletto dei Derelitti: Sala della Musica (18th century)
  
• *The Church of San Martino: Altarpiece with four angels by Tullio Lombardo (16th century)
  
• San Michele in Isola: Three 16th century wooden statues
• * Flag Pole dedicated to Doge Francesco Morosini in campo Santo Stefano

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Download brochure p.2

* denotes projects undertaken in joint collaboration with other organizations of the UNESCO Private Committees Program for the Safeguarding of Venice

You Can Play a Part in Preserving Venice's Art Heritage

Each year the Superintendents for the Artistic and Historic Heritage and for the Architectural Heritage of Venice suggest projects in immediate need of restoration. Your contribution in any amount will be appreciated and is tax deductible.

Donations for the restoration of Venetian works of art can be made by sending a check to the "America-Italy Society of Philadelphia -- Venice Fund" to the address below:

America-Italy Society of Philadelphia
1420 Walnut Street, Suite 310
Philadelphia, PA 19102

The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization under Sections 501 (c)(3) and 509 (a) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Society are deductible for federal income tax purposes.

The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia is registered as a charitable organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Questions for the Society should be addressed to (215) 735-3250 or emailed to americaitalysociety@rcn.com.