Vivere il paesaggio, l’arte e la memoria dell’Italia

Our XXV Settimana della Lingua Italiana celebrations are in full swing

The Italian Language Centre (ILC) and the Consulate of Italy Brisbane were delighted to host a unique cultural event, presented by the esteemed Italian Professor Federica De Rosa from the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples on Monday 22 September 2025.

Virtual tour and Open-air museum

For our guests, who all share a passion for Italian language and culture, the opportunity to enjoy a virtual journey in time and space through different Italian cities was an amazing experience.

Professor De Rosa’s presentation highlighted that works of art are often imagined and created in the space in which they are located, so the concept of Italy being an open-air museum was explored. To begin with, Professor De Rosa illustrated the specific relationship between Italian cities and their landscape in informing the description of Italy being an open-air museum. 

Professor De Rosa then retraced the structure, form and concept of cities from the Middle Ages to the present day while emphasising the unbreakable connection between places, buildings, monuments and landscapes.

In explaining this, Professor De Rosa applied colourful metaphors, for example, comparing a city with the image of a body (the city), which in addition to its organs and skeleton (monuments and buildings) also has a soul (the people who live in it and enjoy it).

Preserving heritage

According to Professor De Rosa, the concept of Italy being an open-air museum explains why works of art cannot be simply detached from their context and exhibited in a museum, as their function and enjoyment would be diminished. Therefore, these artworks should not be packed up and displayed in a museum, far removed from their landscape, historical and cultural context.

In quoting Italian art historian Tomaso Montanari, Professor De Rosa compared art as being like an apple attached to its tree, which is its place of belonging. Given these points, Professor De Rosa encouraged guests to admire the many artistic treasures that enrich Italian cities in the landscape and environment in which they were conceived and created, rather than in the confined spaces of a museum, detached from their context.

In closing, Professor De Rosa reminded everyone of the importance of preserving the Italian heritage to maintain cultural identity. In Italian language the word heritage (patrimonio) refers to the cultural legacy of our forefathers. It is no coincidence that Article 9 of the Italian Constitution refers to the duty of contributing to the protection and preservation of the national heritage.

Captivating conversation

After the inspirational virtual tour, our guests enjoyed the opportunity to participate in captivating conversations about Italian culture and language, alongside the respected Italian Consul in Brisbane, Luna Angelini Marinucci.

Insightful and nostalgic reflections of Italian culture and language were enthusiastically shared by everyone at the celebration over light refreshments and delicious Italian cold cuts and desserts platter.

We extend our gratitude to Professor De Rosa and Italian Consul, Ms Marinucci for their enlightening presence and to everyone who joined us for this special celebration.

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Interested in learning the Italian culture and language?

At ILC Brisbane, our qualified native-speaking teachers are passionate about creating an engaging learning environment for students and Italian classes that deliver successful outcomes for all.

Our Italian teachers inspire students to be positively engaged in learning the Italian language by providing an authentic education experience with social activities and events that ensure every student becomes part of the ILC community.

ILC is a division of Co.As.It. Community Services Ltd. and aims to be the focal point in Queensland for the promotion, teaching and learning of Italian language and culture by supporting Italian curriculum in schools and offering Italian language courses.