Italian arts and culture have been a significant influence on Philadelphia, dating back to Thomas Jefferson, when Italian art and architecture styles flourished, and Philadelphians traveled to Italy and brought back objects to display in emerging institutions of art and culture. New immigration formed neighborhoods and Italian business leaders, politicians, artists and musicians came to prominence and became part of the social fabric of the city. The book, published in Italy by Treccani and in the United States by Temple University Press, and edited by Andrea Canepari and Judith Goode, celebrates the history, impact, and legacy of this vibrant community and narrates how travelers to and from Italy brought everyday cultural practices, memories, and traditions that became important parts of American culture, a legacy that is thriving in globalized Philadelphia.

Opening greetings will include: Carla Morogallo, Director General of Triennale Milano; Marco Sammicheli, Director of the Museo del Design Italiano and curator of Triennale Milano for Design, Fashion, Crafts; and Verónica Crego, Dean of the Consular Corps of Milan and Lombardy and Consul General of Uruguay. Also speaking with the author will be Luca Molinari, Editor-in-Chief of Platform, Architecture and Design Magazine; and Carlo Secchi, Vice President of the Institute for International Policy Studies and Professor Emeritus of European Economic Policy at Bocconi University in Milan. Moderates the talk: Maria Vittoria Dalla Cia, Editor-in-chief of “La cucina italiana”.