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American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture

Working with Camposanto di Staglieno, Genoa, Italy

The monumental cemetery of Staglieno in Genoa, Italy is the largest outdoor sculpture museum in Europe and houses the finest collection of mid 19th to mid 20th century Italian marble sculpture, yet it is almost completely overlooked. Genoa is not part of the “grand tour” of Italy, and cemeteries rarely get the attention of art lovers, art historians, or tourists, so even within Italy this incredible place is almost unknown.

The magnificent treasures of Staglieno are part of our cultural heritage. To date we have restored 18 of these masterpieces, but much more is needed. You can help American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture (AFIMS)  preserve the art and artistic legacy of this irreplaceable treasure. Learn more about our mission.

We have identified the next sculptures in need of restoration. You can help save these irreplaceable masterpieces.

PLANNING

We have identified the next sculptures in need of restoration. You can help save these irreplaceable masterpieces.
Restoration is a meticulous process. Learn how our professional restorers save these sculptures.

IN PROGRESS

Restoration is a meticulous process. Learn how our professional restorers save these sculptures.
We have completed eighteen restorations. Before, during and after photos tell the story of this delicate work.

RESTORED

We have completed eighteen restorations. Before, during and after photos tell the story of this delicate work.

We all understand donating to help in cases of natural disaster, hunger, and health care, but now, more than ever, it is important to preserve our culture and arts. These masterpieces will show future generations the depth and breath of our capacity to create magnificent works, using only the simplest of tools and materials. Iron hammers, steel chisels, and blocks of stone telling stories of love, sadness, dreams, passions and faith. The links above will show you what we have been doing and are now planning; and visit our Sculpture Garden photo galleries, to get a taste of the wonders of Staglieno Cemetery.

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We’re adding more beautiful sculpture photos every day.

“... On either side, as one walks down the middle of the passage, are monuments, tombs, and sculptured figures that are exquisitely wrought and are full of grace and beauty. They are new and snowy; every outline is perfect, every feature guiltless of mutilation, flaw, or blemish; and therefore, to us these far-reaching ranks of bewitching forms are a hundred fold more lovely than the damaged and dingy statuary they have saved from the wreck of ancient art and set up in the galleries of Paris for the worship of the world.”

— Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad , 1869

© AFIMS 2024

American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture
Working with Camposanto di Staglieno, Genoa, Italy

American Friends of Italian Monumental Sculpture is a United States based not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations to AFIMS are fully deductible to the full extent of the law. AFIMS is dedicated to assisting the City of Genoa in its efforts to preserve the art and artistic legacy of the Camposanto di Staglieno for the education and appreciation of current and future generations.