Arts across the Atlantic: The Italian Legacy in Philadelphia

Professor Luca Zipoli presents "Arts across the Atlantic: The Italian Legacy in Philadelphia," a public lecture at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. The event was part of the conference series “Shaping the United States: Italian Contributions and the Philadelphia Legacy" organized by Bryn Mawr College in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Philadelphia , the America-Italy Society, and PI-Philly, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The lecture was free and open to everyone.

00:00-5:16 Opening remarks (Nico Frandi, Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia)
5:16-09:51 Introduction (Luca Zipoli, Bryn Mawr College)

The event was hosted by the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
Friday, March 27, 2026 • 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Renaissance Room

The event was co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Philadelphia, the America-Italy Society, and PI-Philly.

Abstract:

The talk investigates the impact and legacy that Italian arts and architecture exerted on Philadelphia’s landscapes from the 18th-century to nowadays, making it become the cosmopolitan urban environment that it is today. Throughout the centuries Philadelphians traveled to the peninsula bringing back objects to display or studied the country’s art and architecture styles to shape the evolving aspect of the city. By analyzing some lesser-known sites, monuments, and artworks in Philadelphia, the talk highlights also the role that migrant Italian artists played in the development of the city, showing how places, arts, identities that today are perceived as ‘American’ have in most cases a transnational history to tell. 

More info:
https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/latest/events/arts-across-atlantic-italian-legacy-philadelphia

Conference series:
https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/academic-information/departments-programs/transnational-italian-studies/shaping-united-states-italian-contributions-philadelphia-legacy-lecture-series

Digital map:
https://digbmc.github.io/philly-global-city/

Press coverage:
https://italianamericanherald.com/lectures-spotlight-italian-role-in-american-independence/

Subtitles and translation by Felicia Famularo 27'

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