The Exhibition of Dalmatian, Istrian and Fiuman Exiles gives voice and memory to a pivotal chapter of Italian history

On October 24, the Vittoriano in Rome hosted the inauguration of MEDIF – Exhibition of Dalmatian, Istrian and Fiuman Exiles, attended by Edith Gabrielli, Director General of ViVe, and Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Culture.

Promoted by the Federation of Associations of Istrian, Fiuman and Dalmatian Exiles (FederEsuli), with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MEDIF represents a moment of profound civic and cultural significance, dedicated to the memory of the exodus of over 350,000 Italians forced to leave their homeland at the end of the Second World War.

“Living memory is the highest form of hope. Without memory, a nation ceases to be a community.”
— Alessandro Giuli, Minister of Culture

During the inauguration, Renzo Codarin, President of FederEsuli, also spoke, emphasizing that “the Exhibition of the Exiles is a tangible sign of how the memory of the Exodus continues to live, to speak, and to unite Italians.”An immersive journey through history and identity

Set up in the Grottone Halls of the Vittoriano and curated by architect Massimiliano Tita, the exhibition unfolds through a 140-square-meter narrative path intertwining unpublished documents, images, multimedia installations, and personal testimonies.

One of the most emotionally powerful installations is the one dedicated to Norma Cossetto, a symbol of the tragedy of those killed in the foibe: a Thonet chair with a monocle and a red rose among the rocks.

A bridge between memory and the future

The inauguration was enriched by a performance from the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia, directed by Paolo Valerio, dedicated to the remembrance of the Exodus.

The exhibition is open to visitors at the Grottone Hall – Vittoriano, Rome, and is also available online at www.medif.memorial.

A project we were proud to develop alongside FederEsuli.