Fondazione Federico II: a cultural beacon

Last Updated: May 18, 2024

Fondazione Federico II, un faro culturale

The Federico II Foundation represents a beacon of culture and knowledge, committed to enhancing and disseminating the historical and artistic heritage of Sicily. Through its constant commitment and numerous initiatives, the Foundation not only honors the memory of Federico II, but actively contributes to the cultural growth of society, making Sicilian history and culture accessible to an increasingly wide and diverse audience.

The Federico II Foundation was established on December 9, 1996, with regional law no. 44. Named after the monarch who in the 13th century made Sicily a center of literature and the arts, and who knew how to integrate the ethnic and cultural diversities present on the Island at that time, the Federico II Foundation is tasked with enhancing Sicily’s cultural heritage and that of its artists. Since 2004, following a legislative provision (Article 51 of regional law no. 15), the Foundation has managed the additional services of the Monumental Complex of the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel (ticketing and bookshop), covering its operating costs through these activities.

The Foundation also has its own spaces, such as the Duca di Montalto Halls, the Pier Santi Mattarella Hall, the Pio La Torre Hall, and the Oratory of Sant’Elena and Costantino, for organizing and promoting events, exhibitions, conferences, and historical-legal research through the establishment of scholarships and collaboration with Italian and foreign universities, research institutes, and Sicilian educational offices. The Foundation is committed to preserving and spreading Sicilian cultural heritage through a series of activities and initiatives ranging from art exhibitions to cultural events, historical research to scientific dissemination. It organizes conferences, seminars, and meetings with renowned scholars and experts, offering opportunities for in-depth exploration of historical, artistic, and cultural themes. These events represent important moments of knowledge exchange between the academic world and the public.

The Federico II Foundation takes its name from Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, one of the most fascinating and influential figures of the European Middle Ages. Frederick II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Sicily, was known for his encyclopedic culture, patronage, and his ability to govern an extremely heterogeneous territory ethnically and culturally. Under his reign, Sicily became a center of scientific, artistic, and cultural innovation.

The establishment of the Federico II Foundation was made possible by the initiative of the Sicilian Parliament, with the aim of creating an entity capable of promoting Sicilian culture and contributing to its international valorization. Since its inception, the Foundation has been based in the prestigious Palazzo dei Normanni, one of the most emblematic monuments of Palermo and Sicily as a whole, which also houses the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The Foundation regularly organizes high-profile exhibitions ranging from ancient to contemporary art. These exhibitions often include archaeological finds, works of art, and historical documents from both Italian and international collections. One fundamental aspect of the Foundation’s work is the production of scientific and informative publications. These works, including exhibition catalogs, monographs, and conference proceedings, are valuable tools for disseminating knowledge and valorizing Sicilian cultural heritage.

The Foundation also collaborates with universities and research institutes to support historical study and research projects. It pays particular attention to the education and training of new generations. It organizes educational programs for schools of all levels with the aim of introducing students to the history and culture of Sicily. The proposed activities include educational workshops, guided tours, and thematic paths, allowing students to learn interactively and engagingly. The Foundation works closely with other cultural and scientific institutions, both in Italy and abroad. By participating in international networks of museums, universities, and research centers, the Foundation contributes to common projects and cultural exchanges, promoting Sicily as a reference point in the European cultural landscape.