Oltre il Cancello at Palazzo Invernizzi – the European Day of Foundations

1st October 2025 – Discovering philanthropy as a tool for knowledge, culture and shared growth

Oltre il cancello (Beyond the Gate) is the title of the event organized on 1st October at Palazzo Invernizzi on the occasion of the European Day of Foundations. Launched in 2013 by DAFNE (Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe) – and now part of Philea (Philanthropy Europe Association) – each year the Day invites foundations across the continent to “cross the gates”, open up to the community and share their values, mission and commitment to common good.

Fondazione Invernizzi has taken part in the initiative for the first time, organising a special opening of its monumental courtyard, which is not normally accessible, and offering the public a whole day dedicated to discovery and sharing

With its “Oltre il cancello” (Beyond the Gate) initiative, Fondazione Invernizzi not only opened up a symbolic space in the city, it also proactively participated in the European movement that celebrates philanthropy as a tool for knowledge, culture and shared growth.

PROGRAMME

GUIDED TOURS AT THE COURTYARD – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., in 30-minute tours, visitors could learn about the history of the Palazzo and the Foundation through a story-telling journey intertwining memory, architecture and identity.
Tours at the courtyard ended in the well-known garden overlooking Via Cappuccini.

BALANESCU QUARTET IN CONCERT – 7 p.m.

Balanescu Quartet was founded in 1987 in Romania by violinist Alexander Bălănescu. The ensemble recreates the classic string quartet but does so in an original manner, that is adapting the traditional form of the ensemble to a repertoire that is as broad and varied as possible. Balanescu Quartet’s ultimate goal is to bring classical music closer to the contemporary world, in terms of both music and audience.
Eclecticism is the key word: the quartet performs arrangements of pieces by well-known artists that are very far from the style of chamber music. Another strength of Balanescu Quartet is the crossover it creates with Eastern European folk music, making it a completely innovative experiment on the music arena.