The University of Bologna welcomes the Zhejiang University

On 23 September the University of Bologna welcomed a delegation of the Zhejiang University at the Rectorate, in Palazzo Poggi. This occasion marked the donation of an important collection of art volumes from the Chinese University, honour shared by only a few European universities. Zhu Shiqiang, Vice Chairman of the University Council, participated in the official visit, accompanied by an institutional delegation.

The donation significantly enriches the library’s collection of the University of Bologna, making it a reference point for Eastern art and culture scholars in Europe and around the world. This represents an additional step forward towards the building of strong academic and cultural relations between Italy and China. In addition, it proves the significance of international cooperation in academia for the dissemination of knowledge and for institutional dialogue.

The collection includes extremely valuable Chinese art books, notable for both their historical and artistical significance. Among them are some rare volumes that absent even from the KVK - Karlsruher Virtueller Katalog, a virtual catalogue encompassing collections of international libraries. Some of these books are owned by prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard and Yale University: a proof of this collection’s value and uniqueness.

The event was opened with a welcome address from the Deputy Rector Simona Tondelli, followed by a presentation of Professor Zhu Shiqiang, who outlined the details of the donation and the value of the Chinese art volumes. The meeting also boasted the presence of the Vice Rector for International Relations Raffaella Campaner and Professor Carla Salvaterra, Director of the University Library System, who highlighted the importance of the donation for valorising the cultural heritage of the University.

The celebration ended with a symbolic delivery of the volumes, symbolising the mutual esteem and fruitful collaboration between the two institutions. At last, guided by Professor Federica Rossi, the delegation participated in a visit to the historic libraries of the University of Bologna, including the Library of the Department of History and Cultures.