Cultural heritage is not merely a legacy to be preserved but a dynamic resource capable of generating knowledge, innovation, and social value. For us, its enhancement relies on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates advanced research, digitisation, sustainability, and the involvement of both the academic and local communities.
An Integrated Vision for Culture
We enhance cultural heritage through research projects and collaborations that bring together diverse expertise. Technological innovations play a key role in the preservation and dissemination of heritage, ensuring accessibility and sharing in line with international best practices and the National Plan for the Digitisation of Cultural Heritage.
New methodologies expand the possibilities for conserving and experiencing cultural assets while placing sustainability at the core. This includes environmental sustainability through low-impact practices, social sustainability with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion, economic sustainability via innovative management models, and digital sustainability by promoting preservation and open access to knowledge and data.
People: A Living Heritage
Cultural heritage exists and is renewed thanks to the dedication of those who study, restore, research, and safeguard it, ensuring its protection and transmission to future generations. Students are actively involved in training and research activities focused on enhancing cultural heritage, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Heritage enhancement is only possible with the support of society—active participation and donations play a crucial role in advancing research, preserving collections, and making cultural resources more accessible.
Explore the projects you can support with the Art Bonus
An Accessible and Shared Heritage
By adopting the principles of Open Science, we promote the sharing and reuse of cultural and scientific data. The digitisation and open archiving of collections and research results break down access barriers, fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.
The creation of digital archives, open databases, and interactive platforms strengthens the connection between the academic community and civil society, making cultural heritage more widely and inclusively accessible. These initiatives also deepen ties with the local community, as the University's collections, museums, and architectural assets generate valuable economic and social resources for cultural tourism.
Policies for Heritage Enhancement and Management
The Policy on Digital Cultural Heritage [.pdf 277 KB], in effect since 1 January 2024, establishes guidelines for the digitisation, preservation, and promotion of digital collections, ensuring high standards of quality and accessibility.
Aimed at the University's departments and those responsible for digitisation projects, the Policy promotes the use of innovative technologies to improve access to heritage and encourage the active participation of both the academic community and the general public.
The Embrace of the University of Bologna
The University of Bologna safeguards a vast cultural ecosystem comprising museums, libraries, archives, and research institutes. These institutions preserve and promote the University's historical, artistic, and scientific heritage:
- University Library of Bologna (BUB)
Founded in the 18th century, it holds approximately 1,400,000 volumes, including 1,000 incunabula, 15,000 16th-century editions, and over 12,000 manuscripts. - Federico Zeri Foundation
Houses the library of the renowned art historian Federico Zeri, containing 46,000 volumes and 37,000 auction catalogues, a unique resource for art history studies. - University Library System (SBA)
Coordinates the University's libraries, providing access to catalogues, databases, journals, and over 100,000 e-books. - University Museum System (SMA)
Manages the University's Museum collections, promoting scientific and cultural dissemination through exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours. - History, places, and personalities at the University of Bologna
Cultural itineraries narrating the University's history, iconic locations, and notable personalities who have shaped its evolution.