Ancona Named Italian Capital of Culture 2028

Ancona Named Italian Capital of Culture 2028

The selection committee unanimously approved Ancona as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2028, describing the city’s dossier as "excellent." The bid, called “Ancona. Questo adesso”, aims to combine local identity with contemporary cultural innovation.

Official support includes a direct grant of €1 million and a total planned investment of roughly €50 million, with €7 million allocated for the celebration year. The initiative is designed to leave a lasting cultural and infrastructural legacy.

• Questo mare (inspired by Luigi Vanvitelli): rethinking the port as a cultural and social space as well as a commercial hub.
• Via Maestra (Ciriaco Pizzecolli): an organizing route linking events, exhibitions and significant urban sites.
• Adesso parco: focusing on Parco del Cardeto and Mount Conero to enhance nature-based access and enjoyment.
• Mare culturale (Franco Corelli): emphasizing digital creativity, new cultural languages and youth participation.

Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti is among the contributors and will help narrate the city through cinematic language. For the Marche region — following Pesaro in 2024 — the recognition is expected to boost tourism, investments and cultural activity.

The designation sets in motion a program that targets both temporary events and long-term structural interventions to strengthen Ancona’s cultural offer and local development.