About the Italian Heritage Room at Wayne State University
The Italian Heritage Room is one of the many Ethic Rooms located within Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. It was created to expand the university’s Italian culture representation. It all began when a student approached the Fund Board at WSU asking why other languages and cultures were represented with Ethnic Rooms but not Italian. The question was posed and the end result occurred in June 11, 1998. The 13th jewel in Wayne State University's Ethnic Heritage Center crown was added with the dedication of the Italian Heritage Room.
Designed by Rossetti Associates Architects, the room features a colonnade based on the Uffizzi art gallery on the Arno River in Florence. The 2300 square foot room has three distinct areas: a congregational area with large tables to facilitate group discussions; an informal arrangement for casual conversation and interaction; and a study area for serious concentration.
"It's a unique and enduring tribute of all of Italy" said Marian A. Impastato, chair of the Italian Heritage Room committee. It will be a source of aesthetic satisfaction in the heart of the cultural center. The room will be available to the university's students and faculty; used as a study area and student lounge. Also, it is open to the community at large, at no charge, for club meetings, professional groups, seminars, lectures, recitals, art exhibits, or teas and auctions," she said.
The Italian Heritage Room also house many pieces of art. Sculpture, paintings and photography by artists of Italian heritage are on display within the room. To view these art works, click here.
WSU President Irvin D. Reid said he believed that students would feel as if they have been immersed in Italian culture as they study and enjoy the ambience of the room. Also, it is hoped the room will be used extensively for community events.
The concept for an Italian Heritage Room actually began in the mid - 1970' s. Funding was never discussed and little was accomplished until early 1990. Commitments and donations came from people of all cultures and backgrounds. Thus, the Italian Heritage Room became a reality.
"The timeless quality of the architecture is such a striking feature . . . It relates to the past and will relate as well to the future," said Marian Impastato. The Honorary Chair, Frank D. Stella said, "This room is a tribute to the contributions and legacy of Italians in the Greater Detroit Area. It will be here in perpetuity."
The Consul of Italy at the time of the dedication, Dr. Michele Quaroni noted that while it may have taken a while to realize the completion of the project, the Italian committee was still ahead of other Italian groups across the country. According to Quaroni , this is the first Italian Heritage Room in the United States.
Italian Heritage Room