Archivissima: Generali explores innovation and possible futures
On the occasion of Archivissima 2025, the Generali Historical Archive opens the doors of Palazzo Berlam for a journey through past and future. Three iconic buildings in Trieste tell a story of innovation, architecture, and vision that have shaped this city by the sea
For the fourth consecutive year, the Generali Historical Archive participated in Archivissima, the Italian festival dedicated to promoting archives, held from 5th to 8th June 2025. This year’s edition, titled #dallapartedelfuturo (“on the future’s side”), invited reflection on possible futures: those yet to be built, those imagined in the past, and those we can design today to build the archive of tomorrow.
A special opening at Palazzo Berlam
On the occasion of the Night of the Archives, on Friday 6th June 2025 the Generali Historical Archive exceptionally opened the doors of Palazzo Berlam, its headquarters in Trieste, for a special event dedicated to the history and evolution of Generali’s seafront buildings: Palazzo Berlam itself, Palazzo Carciotti, and Palazzo Geiringer.
The talk: three buildings, three visions of the future
Held in the auditorium of Palazzo Berlam, the talk explored the historical, architectural, and economic significance of the three buildings, all born from a strong drive toward innovation and change.
After institutional greetings from Luca Caburlotto, archival superintendent of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Emma Ursich, Generali Group Head of Corporate Identity, three professors from the University of Trieste spoke: Diana Barillari (history of architecture), Loredana Panariti (economic history), and Eleonora Masiero (business economics).
Three buildings, three imagined futures
The three buildings at the centre of the event were conceived with a clear idea of cultural and architectural innovation, driven by a desire to explore new worlds:
- Palazzo Carciotti: a symbol of mercantile, dynamic, and globally connected Trieste.
- Palazzo Geiringer: inspired by Italian palaces of the era and the allure of electric light.
- Palazzo Berlam: influenced by American skyscrapers and a vision of vertical modernity.
Palazzo Carciotti: where history meets the future
A symbol of Trieste and the first headquarters of Generali, where the company was founded in 1831, Palazzo Carciotti was built between 1798 and 1805 by architect Matteo Pertsch, thanks to the vision of Demetrio Carciotti. His namesake grandson was among Generali’s first shareholders.
The original building combined an innovative house-warehouse solution with an artistic and sculptural decoration programme that reflected Trieste’s spirit of ambition, international openness, and patronage.
With two monumental facades and rich decorative elements, the building symbolized industriousness and commercial activity tied to the maritime port through which Carciotti, a self-made man, built his fortune.
Today, Palazzo Carciotti is where heritage meets innovation: on 8th April 2025, “Agorai Innovation Hub” was presented in Trieste - an ecosystem for basic and applied research using advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence technologies to improve people’s quality of life.
Bringing it to life together with Generali are major economic and business entities, both local and international, with the participation of internationally renowned academic institutions and research centres.
Palazzo Geiringer: between innovation and elegance
Built between 1884 and 1886 as the permanent headquarters of Assicurazioni Generali’s Central Directorate during a period of strong company expansion, Palazzo Geiringer was designed by engineer Eugenio Geiringer and architect Luigi Zabeo. It stands in the Borgo Teresiano, strategically located near the port and Trieste’s main economic hubs.
With an eclectic style influenced by Renaissance and Neo-Hellenistic elements, the building was ahead of its time: the first in Trieste with electric lighting and central heating. Its square layout with an internal courtyard and limestone decorations reflected solidity and prestige.
Palazzo Berlam: when Trieste looked upward
Acquired by Generali in 1932, Palazzo Berlam was Trieste’s first skyscraper and a symbol of the city’s modernist architecture. Built between 1926 and 1928 by architect Arduino Berlam, it features an eclectic-modernist style inspired by New York’s red-brick skyscrapers and European avant-garde movements.
With six floors topped by three stepped levels, the building harmonizes with its urban surroundings, next to historic buildings like Palazzo Geiringer and Palazzo Carciotti. Recently restored by Mario Bellini, it is now a celebrated example of 20th-century architecture, emphasizing original details and bright spaces.
Today, the building houses the Generali Group Academy, the Group’s global training center, and the Generali Historical Archive.
The long history of Generali in the Historical Archive
Founded in Trieste on 26th December 1831, Generali has spanned three centuries of modernity. Its unique heritage of knowledge, experience, and business initiatives is preserved in the Historical Archive and was celebrated during the company’s 190th anniversary.
Generali’s rich cultural heritage includes paintings, sculptures, archaeological artifacts, books, and historical documents - evidence of the company’s long-standing investment in culture throughout its centuries-old insurance activity. It is a living heritage, filled with stories that reflect a major corporate reality and the daily lives and progress of people in Italy, Europe, and the world.
Access to the Generali Historical Archive for guided visits and consultation of the databases and digital reproductions is possible by appointment. More information is available here.
