Release Date: March 20, 2008

The National Gallery of Art Celebrates Italy's Rich Cultural Links to Washington, DC During Italian Culture Week, April 1–6, 2008

Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art joins with the Embassy of Italy to celebrate the publication of the stunning book, The Italian Legacy in Washington, D.C.: Architecture, Design, Art and Culture during Italian Culture Week, April 1–6, 2008. Jointly planned events will include a lecture, panel discussion, and book signing featuring renowned professor Luca Molinari; and a symposium and book signing with Bruce Cole, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Gallery of Art will screen Abitare Palladio, which addresses the ongoing maintenance and preservation of Palladian villas, and will present two concerts of Italian baroque music.

Scheduled events:

Lecture, Panel Discussion, and Book Signing
April 2, noon to 1:30 pm
National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium
4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Opening remarks by His Excellency Giovanni Castellaneta, Italian ambassador to the United States

Illustrated lecture by professor Luca Molinari, followed by a panel discussion featuring David Alan Brown, curator and head of Italian and Spanish paintings, and Maygene Daniels, chief archivist, National Gallery of Art

This program is coordinated with and supported by the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington, DC.

Symposium and Book Signing (closed)
April 3, 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Italian Embassy/Italian Cultural Institute, 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC

Introduction by His Excellency Giovanni Castellaneta, Italian ambassador to the United States

"Italy on the Potomac: The Italian Heritage in Washington, D.C."
Panelists:
Bruce Cole, chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities
Luca Molinari, professor, University of Naples, Italy
Mario di Valmarana, professor emeritus of architecture, University of Virginia
David Alan Brown, curator and head of Italian and Spanish paintings, National Gallery of Art
Eric Denker, senior lecturer, National Gallery of Art
Gregory Hunt, vice chairman, Leo A. Daly Associates

Film Screening: Abitare Palladio
April 4, noon to 1:30 p.m.
National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium
4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Interviews with contemporary architects and owners of Palladian villas discuss the maintenance and preservation of these architectural masterworks. Many of Palladio’s palaces and villas have been transformed into museums or sold to foreign corporations. Produced by RAI Television, Italy, 40 minutes, subtitled.

Lecture and Concert
April 5, 2008, 5:30 pm
The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852-3224

“The Eighteenth Century Rediscovers the Ancient World," Anthony DelDonna, lecturer, and members of the National Gallery Chamber Players with Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano

Performance
April 6, 6:30 pm
Chatham Baroque and Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano
National Gallery of Art, West Building, West Garden Court
La cetra amorosa: songs and sonatas of baroque Italy

Admission to all National Gallery of Art events is free. First-come, first-seated one-half hour before each concert / Entry at Sixth Street is open until 6:30 pm on Sundays.
For details visit www.nga.gov or call (202) 737-4215.