Piano Mattei: Italian museums train African cultural heritage

Piano Mattei: Italian museums train African cultural heritage professionals

The residential phase of the International School of Cultural Heritage, promoted by the Ministry of Culture and the National School of Heritage and Cultural Activities, has begun. The initiative is part of the Piano Mattei for Africa and aims to strengthen skills and cooperation between Italian cultural institutions and African heritage professionals.

After an initial online module and a week of sessions in Rome (20–24 April 2026), participants will be hosted from 27 April for one month across a network of museums to work on collections, curatorial research and public activities. The project's closing event is scheduled for 22 May in Rome at the Ministry of Culture.

• Participating museums: Museum of Civilizations (MUCIV); Archaeological Parks and Museums of Praeneste and Gabii; National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA); National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN); National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria (MArRC); National Archaeological Museum of the Agro Falisco and Forte Sangallo of Civita Castellana.
• Participants: directors, officials, curators, conservators, librarians and archivists from 12 African countries.
• Represented countries (selection): Algeria, Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania and Tunisia.

The Minister of Culture described the initiative as a tool of cultural diplomacy that promotes dialogue and institutional cooperation. The National School of Heritage, now in its fourth edition of the program, highlights the capacity of the Italian museum system to coordinate high-impact international training projects.