Destruction and Protection of the Italian Cultural Heritage during World War I
AT THE PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON HOUSE
The First World War broke upon the world without precedent. The tragedy involved not only human casualties but also the damage and destruction of cultural heritage, including works of art and architecture. This photographic exhibition illustrates the Italian people’s struggle to protect their cultural patrimony from the ravages of war. Poignant images display efforts to sandbag and board up architectural and artistic treasures. Prompted by the destruction of World War I, the League of Nations created the International Museum Office to oversee the protection of material culture in the global community.
One hundred years later, these photographs not only document early preservation efforts, but have also become works of art in their own right. They remind us of an enduring struggle that transcends time and cultures: to save the highest expressions of the human spirit from the destruction and savagery of war.
“We very much wanted to bring these images to Washington, DC. To honor the memory and commitment of those who a century ago, as done today in many areas of conflict, defended beauty and culture from the horrors of devastation. It’s a story that must not be forgotten. I hope that many representing the younger generations will go and see the exhibit at the President Woodrow Wilson House, which bears the name of a leader who built peace.”
– Claudio Bisogniero, Ambassador of Italy to the United States.
ONLINE: http://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/exhibitions
INFO/TICKETS FREE ADMISSION ON APRIL 10 ONLY, 10:00AM TO 4:00PM – RSVP NOT REQUIRED PLEASE SHOW THE EMAIL INVITE EITHER BY PRINTING IT OR DISPLAYING IT ON YOUR PHONE.
Please visit The President Woodrow Wilson House website for hours and admissions or call 202.387.4062.
LOCATION The President Woodrow Wilson House 2340 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20008