Public and private join forces to revive historic libraries

The Capitolare Library of Verona paved the way with an ambitious plan for expansion and renewal

Il Sole 24 ORE
Culture

of Valeria Zanetti
10 February 2025

“Partnerships between public institutions and private entities are restoring the ancient splendor and full accessibility of the extraordinary heritage of ecclesiastical libraries. A pioneer in the Veneto region has been the Capitolare Library of Verona, which in September 2023 launched an ambitious transformation and renewal project. The initiative included the expansion of museum spaces and the installation of digital technologies, with the aim of enhancing its cultural offering. The project is led by the Capitolare Library Foundation, whose founding members are the Capitolo dei Canonici della Cattedrale di Verona and the Bauli Family.

In less than a year, the target of 12,000 visitors was far exceeded, thanks to a significant increase in individual admissions, along with growing demand for private and school visits, as well as themed events and guided tours. These activities have sparked a renewed interest in one of the most iconic sites of knowledge transmission through the centuries. (…) To support its initiatives, the Capitolare takes part in regional, national, and international funding programs. It also relies on corporate patronage and contributions from private foundations, the regional government, and local institutions.

«By 2025, we will develop an additional section on the ground floor, dedicated to manuscripts and books, along with an area showcasing artistic objects from the canonical museum» continues Fasani. The preliminary project, commissioned to the Florence-based firm De Vita & Schulze Architetti, will allow the Foundation to expand its offering to visitors through a self-guided route spanning 1040 square meters across multiple levels, having as centerpiece the monumental grand hall, located on the first floor.

At the same time, the idea of creating a cultural hub as an international center of excellence in Piazza Duomo continues to move forward. This space will be dedicated to the study of the preserved manuscripts and serve as a reference point for Italian and international universities interested in investing in research in this field. (…)”

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