Cav. Nancy Olnick Bestowed with the Insignia of Knight of the Italian Republic

Cav. Nancy Olnick, Co-founder of Magazzino Italian Art, was awarded the Insignia of Knight of the Italian Republic by the Ambassador of Italy to the United States of America, Mariangela Zappia. The ceremony took place at the Consulate General of Italy in New York on January 11, 2024.

Cav. Nancy Olnick received the recognition of Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana by Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic. The Honor is awarded for “merit acquired by the nation” in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities. It is the highest ranking award of the Italian Republic and was founded as the senior order of knighthood in 1951 by Luigi Einaudi, President of the Italian Republic.

Cav. Nancy Olnick was accompanied by her husband, Cav. Giorgio Spanu, family members and friends. In addition, Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, Giorgia Di Michele and Consul Cesare Bieller were also present at the ceremony.

Cav. Nancy Olnick's knighthood stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to and love for Italy, as well as her commitment to showcasing the best of Italian art and culture. Her remarkable impact on Italian art is evident through her instrumental role in founding Magazzino Italian Art, the only American museum dedicated to postwar and contemporary Italian art. Over the last seven years, Magazzino has become a cultural center and a leader in organizing national and international exhibitions and projects, an annual scholarship, publishing books, and inaugurating the Research Center. In 2023 the museum was expanded to include the Robert Olnick Pavilion.

Cav. Nancy Olnick's extraordinary contributions have earned formal recognition from the Italian government, underscoring the profound influence she has had on the support and appreciation of Italian art and culture.