Project

la Rinascente Archives project began in 2015 for the 150th anniversary of the founding of Magazzini Bocconi on 4 June 1865. The aim is to digitally reconstruct the company’s archives, almost all of which have been lost due to various past events such as fire in 1918, bombing in 1943 and changes in ownership.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its name - which was coined by Gabriele d’Annunzio in 1917 when it was owned by Senatore Borletti and managed by Umberto Brustio - we would like to reconstruct the identity of la Rinascente by searching for, selecting, reproducing and enhancing the images and documents relating to its history that are held in the archives and in local and national libraries.

The portal will describe the birth of la Rinascente in a unique portrait of a company and its central characters. It begins with Milan, which played a key role between the 19th and 20th centuries as the capital of business and finance, publishing and communication, fashion and design at international level.

The reconstruction of the history of la Rinascente is a challenge that requires collective action through contributions from all protagonists: employees, collaborators, suppliers and customers. This is why la Rinascente is inviting everyone to take part in the project by providing any relevant items in their possession: a photograph, an illustration, a document.

If you would like to participate, please complete the form in the TAKE PART section and share your information.

la Rinascente Archives project is carried out and coordinated by Maria Canella and Elena Puccinelli (Memoria & Progetto cultural association).