Founded in 1973, Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici has been offering educational programs for international students for 50 years.
“As we hit our 50-year milestone, I want to say a big thank you to all our students, whether they have already graduated, are studying now or are thinking of joining us in the future,” remarks Carla Guarducci, president and CEO of Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici. “I can’t forget our fantastic teachers and staff, as well as our invaluable partners around the world, who have been with us on this incredible journey. We’ve always had one main goal: to bring different cultures and people together. We started off by teaching Italian language and culture, helping students understand and appreciate the incredible history of Florence. As we grew, we started teaching more subjects like arts, design, liberal arts, cooking, and nutrition. We even opened another campus in Tuscania, and started a School of Agriculture.”
The LdM story isn’t just about the Guarducci family who, back in the early 1970s, realized how important it was to create international cultural ties. It’s also about the many generations of students who have studied here, following their dreams and goals. Studying in Italy, especially in Florence, is more than just about academic education. It’s a life-changing experience that goes back to the time of the Grand Tour, helping students discover more about themselves.
“We’ve always believed in the power of human values and encourage our students to find and use their own voice because that’s what will shape their future and the world. In Florence, our students are surrounded by amazing art and find inspiration everywhere. This environment encourages creativity, which you can see in their artworks, designs, careful restoration of old masterpieces, and all their other projects.”
On May 13, 2023, LdM’s biggest annual art event, Art in the Square, resumed its activity in piazza San Lorenzo, as an opportunity for the school’s arts, design and performing arts students to display their work.
“By working with Florentines and visitors from other countries, our students learn more about other cultures and help to create a sense of community,” Guarducci remarks in closing. “This is exactly what Art in the Square, the institute, and our teachers aim to do. As we celebrate our 50th year, we remain focused on our goal of helping students reach their full potential. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of students, who are driven by curiosity and the desire to learn.”
