Our Story
Founded in 1978 by Giuliana Nardelli Haight in San Francisco’s North Beach, the Museo Italo Americano is the preeminent museum in the United States devoted exclusively to showcasing Italian and Italian American art and culture. Nardelli Haight received tremendous support from Mark Luca, who was a professor of art at the University of California, Berkeley.
The Museo continued its mission under the capable Paola Bagnatori who served as the Managing Director for more than 40 years.
Today, the Museo Italo Americano continues its mission with the Executive Director Sandra Bagnatori and its Board of Directors.
In the image former Museo Managing Director Paola Bagnatori, Museo Founder Giuliana Nardelli Haight, former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein, and former Museo Board President Modesto Lanzone in 1978.
Our Mission
The mission of the Museo Italo Americano is twofold: to research, collect, and display works of Italian and Italian-American artists, and to promote educational programs for the appreciation of Italian art and culture, thereby preserving the heritage of Italian-Americans for future generations.
What We Do and Promote
Exhibitions
The Museo showcases artworks by Italian and Italian-American artists, alongside original documentary exhibits.
Italian Language Classes
Our vibrant and qualified native-speaking teachers offer diverse levels of Italian conversation and grammar courses.
Lectures and Events
Cultural programs, events, concerts, book presentations, lectures, symposia, and film series are offered at the Museo.
C.I.A.O. Program
The Children’s Italian Art Outreach Program
offers free Italian art and history instruction to hundreds
of schoolchildren annually.
Gift Shop
Discover a unique array of Italian-made or Italy-inspired items available for purchase in our online shop. 10% discount for members.
Rent
The Museo offers an inviting space for parties and meetings. Experience the unforgettable ambience of the Museo
for your next event!
Future Home
Building Dreams: Museo’s Journey to Its Future Home
at 940 Battery Street.
Permanent Collection
The Museo owns a permanent collection, showcasing paintings, sculptures, photos by Italian and Italian-American artists.
Historical Archive
The Historical Archive Project collects artifacts and oral histories to preserve the legacy of Italian immigration to California.
Our Supporters
The Museo Italo Americano is a nonprofit organization (Tax ID # 94-2638257) currently supported in part by the Grants for the Arts of San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund, by grants from the Bernard Osher Foundation, Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation, E. L. Wiegand Foundation Foundation, MCLM Charitable Foundation, California Arts Council, Rosaria Haugland Foundation, Anonymous Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, the Vanguard Charitable Foundation, Pledgeling Foundation and the generosity of Museo members, the Board of Directors and individual donors.
Our Logo
The Museo Italo Americano’s logo is a timeless symbol of memory, with the “M” drawing inspiration from a detail found in sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro’s iconic bronze bas-relief sculpture, Tavola della Memoria II (Table of Memory II), crafted in 1961. This masterpiece stands as the crown jewel of the Museo’s permanent collection, embodying the essence of our heritage and vision.
