The Giorgio Cini Foundation was established in 1951 by Vittorio Cini, entrepreneur, patron of the arts and collector, in memory of his son Giorgio, who died in an flying accident. The aim was to bring life back to the island di San Giorgio Maggiore (in a state of serious environmental degradation after nearly 150 years of military use), making it an international centre for cultural activities and so an important part of the city.
The scope of this task is seen in the size of the initial investments in restoration work and the many events promoted and hosted on the island and in its assets (especially its artistic heritage) held by the Foundation and, since 1984, also at the Galleria di Palazzo Cini in San Vio, thanks to the donation of one of the founder’s daughters, Yana Cini Alliata di Montereale.

The Foundation has converted the ancient Benedictine monastery into a centre for educational, cultural and social activities and is now an international centre of research and contemporary culture, attracting leading academics from all around the world. There are now eight research institutes devoted respectively to the History of Art; Music; the History of the Venetian State and Society; Comparative Music; the Arts, Theatre and Opera; Vivaldi; Venice and the Orient and Venice and Europe.
The Giorgio Cini Foundation promotes exhibitions, conferences, seminars and concerts and hosts congresses for qualified scientific and cultural organisations.

1800 - 2000 - - rev. 0.1.5