“Unesco Common Heritage”: Lombardy launches educational project for UNESCO sites

Presented on 18 May 2026 at Palazzo Lombardia, “Unesco Common Heritage” is promoted by the Lombardy Region together with the Regional School Office, the Politecnico di Milano (UNESCO Chair of Mantua), the Abbonamento Musei association, Unioncamere Lombardia and the Piero Simoni Foundation, funded by the Ministry of Culture. The initiative aims to turn the region's ten UNESCO sites into educational resources for younger generations.

The project seeks to establish a lasting network between schools and heritage sites, offering tools for different school levels and inclusive activities. Launched in January, the training pathway has already involved over 300 teachers and will make courses and materials permanently available on institutional platforms.

• Training: online courses for teachers developed with UNESCO referents and the Politecnico di Milano;
• Teaching materials: resources for various school stages, curated web references and inclusive tools;
• Visits and access: Abbonamento Musei will provide memberships and organise guided and autonomous visits;
• Educational outreach: newsletters aimed at about 20,000 teachers and two special magazine issues due in August and September;
• Follow-up: a study day after the summer break focused on inclusive teaching and a final publication collecting project outcomes.

The regional culture official highlighted the role of heritage as a training tool: not merely destinations for school trips, but places that can spark curiosity, knowledge and a sense of belonging. The launch event gathered university representatives, association leaders and students who showcased projects using artificial intelligence for heritage conservation.