In 1946, the directors of the Swedish Institute of Classical Studies, the American Academy in Rome, the Academia Belgica, the École française de Rome, the Dutch Historical Institute in Rome, the National Institute of Archaeology and Art History, the Institute of Roman Studies, the Romanian School in Rome and the Pontifical Roman Academy of Archaeology signed the first Statutes of the International Union. Now comprising 38 academies and institutes – 28 non-Italian and 10 Italian – representing 20 countries, this Union constitutes, in Rome, a unique network of international collaboration in the field of historical and archaeological sciences, as well as a rich training ground for young artists and scholars, and a source of diverse initiatives for the promotion of the arts and culture.

To mark the 80th anniversary of its foundation, the Union wishes to highlight its close ties with the city of Rome, the heart of European cultural history, by showcasing the heritage that its academies and institutes have built up in the heart of this city over time, through their activities in research, documentation, creation and continuous cultural exchange. This heritage, comprising buildings, libraries, archives, collections of photographs, prints and drawings, archaeological objects and works of art, remains little known. The conference aims to contribute to enhancing its collective enjoyment. At the same time, various current or ongoing projects on Roman heritage will be presented, led by the academies and institutes that are expanding knowledge of Rome’s history and initiating lines of research for the city’s future development.

Download the conference programme