From February 4 to February 14, 2026, the Italian Cultural Institute in New York will present the exhibition “Giovanni da Nola, Annunciation. A Rediscovered Masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.” The international cultural project celebrates the restoration and rediscovery of two extraordinary sixteenth‑century polychrome wooden sculptures depicting the Annunciation, created by the renowned Neapolitan sculptor Giovanni da Nola.
After acclaimed presentations at the Italian Cultural Institute in Tokyo (June 2025) and the Italian Cultural Institute in San Francisco (January 2026), the exhibition now reaches New York Each edition has been specially conceived to adapt to its local context while maintaining the central focus on the artistic, technological, and conservation narrative behind Giovanni da Nola’s masterpiece.
The exhibition recounts the remarkable journey of these artworks—from their rediscovery in the long‑abandoned Church of the Santissima Annunziata in Buccino (Salerno, Italy) to their restoration and permanent display at the National Archaeological Museum “Marcello Gigante” in Buccino. The initiative underscores Italy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and promoting global appreciation of Renaissance art through cutting‑edge conservation practices.
Although the original sculptures remain in Italy, the New York exhibition reinterprets Giovanni da Nola’s Annunciation through artistic installations, immersive digital projections, and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences inspired by the statues and their restoration. Visitors are invited to explore a multisensory narrative that merges Renaissance aesthetics with twenty‑first‑century creativity. Through digital reconstructions, interpretive artworks, and multimedia storytelling, the exhibition evokes the spiritual and artistic depth of the Annunciation group, offering a dynamic and contemplative experience of one of the Italian Renaissance’s rediscovered treasures.
The exhibition will open on February 4 with an inaugural event featuring a panel discussion with leaders in art history, conservation, and cultural technology. The discussion will trace the project’s key stages—from restoration to digital innovation—and explore how emerging technologies are transforming the preservation, communication, and experience of cultural heritage. A reception will follow, offering guests an opportunity to connect with the speakers and explore the exhibition.
Among the featured panelists, Professor Elizabeth F. Defeis, founder of the U.S.‑based nonprofit Friends for Preservation of Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Italy and principal supporter of the restoration, will present the organization’s mission and international role in supporting Italian artistic heritage through public‑private partnerships.
Antonio Amendola, Project Manager of the restoration initiative, will discuss the methodological approach and interdisciplinary collaboration involving Italian restoration experts, engineers, and cultural authorities.
Ivan Giovanni Allevi, CEO of Allix Srl and CTO of Travel Verse Srl, will present the exhibition’s digital component, illustrating how Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are redefining how audiences engage with art, research, and education across cultures.
Combining historical research, artistic installations, multimedia narratives, and technological innovation, the exhibition invites visitors to rediscover Giovanni da Nola’s artistic genius through a modern perspective—bridging the timeless beauty of the Renaissance with the creative tools of today.
Short Biographies
Professor Elizabeth F. Defeis
A distinguished legal scholar and advocate for cultural preservation, Professor Defeis has held positions as Dean of Seton Hall Law School and Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. She currently serves as Advisor to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations. She is the founder of Friends for Preservation of Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Italy, the nonprofit organization that funded the restoration of Giovanni da Nola’s Annunciation.
Ing. Antonio Amendola
Project Manager of the Giovanni da Nola restoration initiative and Product Manager at Senior Srl, Antonio Amendola has more than twenty years of experience in engineering, innovation, and cultural technology. His expertise spans IoT, VR, and AI, and he has contributed to major international projects blending technology and heritage.
Ing. Ivan Giovanni Allevi
CEO of Allix Srl and co‑founder/CTO of Travel Verse Srl, Ivan Giovanni Allevi brings over twenty‑five years of experience in IT and digital innovation. He leads the development of immersive technologies and virtual environments for cultural institutions. Under his direction, the exhibition’s VR and interactive experiences were created, demonstrating how advanced technology can enhance cultural interpretation and accessibility.
