È con orgoglio ed emozione che vi annuncio di essere il nuovo Presidente della Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala su nomina del Sindaco di Siena, Nicoletta Fabio, al termine di una selezione pubblica. Il Santa Maria della Scala è stato uno dei più imponenti e antichi ospedali europei. È ora, a seguito di una colossale opera di recupero, uno dei massimi complessi museali e culturali non solo di Siena, ma d’Italia e d’Europa.

La Fondazione oggi accoglie il Museo archeologico nazionale, la Biblioteca e Fototeca Giuliano Briganti, la Collezione Piccolomini Spannocchi, il Museo d’Arte per bambini, nonché un’importantissima serie di itinerari di visita che esplorano la complessità storica, architettonica, artistica e funzionale dell’edificio, oltre alle opere di immenso valore storico e artistico che contengono, come il capolavoro monumentale della Fonte Gaia di Jacopo della Quercia.

Ritorno così nella mia Siena adorata, dopo i magnifici anni trascorsi in occasione del mio dottorato europeo in Filologia Romanza, essendo pienamente consapevole della grande responsabilità del mio ruolo e dell’onore di presiedere un Consiglio di amministrazione composto da personalità di rilievo – Niccolò Fiorini, Viviana Castelli, Francesco Piroli e Massimiliana Quartesan It is with pride that following a public selection process I announce my new position as President of the Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala by appointment of the Mayor of Siena, Nicoletta Fabio. Initially serving as one of the most imposing and ancient hospitals in Europe, following a significant restoration project led by Guido Canali, Santa Maria della Scala has become one of the greatest museums and cultural complexes in Europe.

Today, the Foundation houses the National Archaeological Museum, the Giuliano Briganti Library and Photo Library, the Piccolomini Spannocchi Collection, and the Children’s Art Museum. It also offers a series of visitor itineraries that explore the historical, architectural, artistic, and functional complexity of the building, in addition to the works of immense historical and artistic value preserved within, such as Jacopo della Quercia’s masterpiece Fonte Gaia. This appointment serves as a return to my beloved Siena having spent years there during my doctoral studies in Romance Philology, and I am fully aware of the responsibility and honour this role carries.

I have the privilege of presiding over the Board of renown personalities— Niccolò Fiorini, Viviana Castelli, Francesco Piroli e Massimiliana Quartesan—and working alongside the Director, Chiara Valdambrini, and her team. As we begin our work, it is important to be aware of the fact that Santa Maria della Scala is not a product of individuals but of collective activity, and it is this insight that will guide my vision for this institution.

As President, I will bring my managerial and artistic expertise from my university teaching experience and through both my experimental projects and projects aimed at the general public, in order to preserve and enhance the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of Santa Maria della Scala. I will draw on my professional experience in various international contexts and will direct my efforts at building both public and private partnerships. I will bring performing culture within the walls of the museum. I will also contribute to the communication strategy, so that Santa Maria della Scala can transform its immense cultural heritage into a driving force for the territory, through dialogue with contemporary arts and technology, with an ever-increasing sensitivity towards environmental sustainability. But above all else, we must remember that, just as when it served as a hospital, our cultural policy is to always be based on humanity and respect.

In fact, is it my greatest wish that this historical place, which has welcomed millions over the centuries, fully transforms into a collective space for the mind and spirit, a place of gathering, sharing, caring, and attention to those preceding us, presently alongside us, and those who will come after us. This is why my project for Santa Maria della Scala will be open to all those who would like and can contribute to it. I thank the Mayor of Siena, Nicoletta Fabio, for placing her trust in me, and the great citizens of Siena, who already hold a special place in my heart. I also thank the outgoing President and members of the Board for their work and extend a welcoming hand to my colleagues on the new Board, the Director, the Scientific Board and the Board of Auditors and the entire Santa Maria della Scala team. I would like to conclude by inviting you all to visit this extraordinary place that captivates us right from passing through its entrance to the many refined and international exhibitions. I myself visited a few weeks ago to see one of the current exhibitions of an artist I have always loved, Fausto Melotti (‘Fausto Melotti. In leggerezza. A homage to Italo Calvino’, curated by Michelina Eremita).