Generali’s Historical Archive takes part in Archivissima 2024
Free guided tours and the extraordinary opening of Palazzo Berlam, which opens the doors to the Historical Archive. A heritage that preserves Generali’s cultural legacy and recounts the almost two-century-long story of the Company
Again this year, Generali’s Historical Archive was among the protagonists of Archivissima, the first Italian festival dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of archival heritage.
Passions, Generali celebrates that for Europe with Archivissima 2024
The 2024 edition was marked by the theme “Passions”, celebrated by Generali’s Archive on the evening of Friday, June 7th, by recounting the passion of the Trieste executive Edmondo Richetti for a united and free Europe, with the public exhibition and reading of his statute for a “Union of European States” (Europäischer Staatenbund).
The event was preceded by free guided tours on the theme of passion for the Night of the Archives, with a walk among the most beautiful buildings in the center of Trieste, from Piazza Unità to the Grand Canal, all the way to Palazzo Berlam. Additionally, there was an extraordinary evening opening of the “Red Skyscraper”, which houses the headquarters of Generali’s Historical Archive, during which visitors explored historical documents preserved and presented by the Archive.
Generali for Europe: Edmondo Richetti’s pacifist manifesto
Celebrated during Archivissima 2024, Richetti’s statute for a “Union of European States” is a prophetic document: written in 1914, at the time of Nobel and the first peace movements - as well as on the eve of one of the most tragic events in the history of the continent - it anticipated by half a century the spirit of the European Community in its highest ideal, as an antidote to war. It is a testimony of the passions to be celebrated and explored as a powerful connection between individuals and in public life, an essential driving force for societal transformation.
The long history of Generali in the Group’s Historical Archives
Founded in Trieste on 26th December 1831, Generali has lived through the three centuries during which modernity took shape. Its unique heritage of knowledge, experience and business initiatives is preserved in the Group’s Historical Archives and was celebrated to mark the Company’s 190th anniversary.
The Group’s Historical Archives
Generali’s Historical Archives enjoy the status of “cultural heritage” of the Italian State, as they have been recognized and officially declared of “noteworthy historical interest”. They preserve the documentary records of three historic companies, namely: Assicurazioni Generali, INA Assitalia, and Toro Assicurazioni.
It is a rich trove of paintings, sculptures, archeological finds, books and historical documents testifying to Generali’s constant commitment to culture throughout its centuries-old insurance activity. A living patrimony, a wealth of stories recounting the world of a great business reality along with the past and present lives of people in Italy, Europe, and around the globe.
Access to the Archives for guided visits and consultation of the databases and digital reproductions is possible by appointment. More information is available here.
190 years of Generali
Few companies in the world can take pride in a 190-year history. To mark the celebrations for the Company’s 190th anniversary, a wide array of initiatives were organized in 2021 and at the beginning of 2022 – from the launch of the Fenice 190 investment plan, to the restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie in Venice and the opening of the Historical Archive in the renovated spaces of Palazzo Berlam.
Thanks to its rich Historical Archive, Generali told its almost two-century-long story through a fascinating journey filled with videos, podcasts, infographics, design posters, historical fact sheets and artistic photographs of items and documents from its own cultural heritage. Among the initiatives and projects carried out are:
- This is Tomorrow, six posters to celebrate 190 years of Generali’s history;
- Generali Adventures, a tale of Assicurazioni Generali, between history and comics;
- Generali People and Stories, a project that takes us on a journey of discovery about people, companies and transformations that see Generali’s story intertwined with history;
- Generali Life Stories, which explore the life experience of real people to bring out Generali’s purpose across societies, cultures, and epochs;
- 190 Years of Future, a series of podcasts through which Generali looks back at its history and its longstanding commitment to sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and innovation, remaining constantly projected into the future.
