The Wolfsonian Opens Major Exhibition Celebrating Genoa's Cultural Legacy
The Wolfsonian-Florida International University opened "La Superba: Genoa and the Wolfsonian" yesterday, launching a comprehensive exhibition that explores the rich cultural and design heritage of one of Italy's most influential maritime republics.
The exhibition, which runs through May 11, 2025, showcases how Genoa — known historically as "La Superba" (The Superb One) — shaped design, commerce and culture across centuries. The show features objects from The Wolfsonian's permanent collection alongside loans that highlight Genoa's role as a major Mediterranean trading power and cultural crossroads.
Located at 1001 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach's Art Deco District, The Wolfsonian has curated this exhibition to demonstrate how Genoese influence extended far beyond Italy's borders, touching everything from decorative arts to architectural design.
![Poster, Genova e la Riviera Italiana [Genoa and the Italian Riviera], 1931 Aurelio Craffonara (Italian, 1875–1945), designer ENIT (Ente Nazionale Italiano per il Turismo), Rome, publisher Barabino & Graeve, Genoa, printerOffset lithograph 39 1/2 x 27 1/2 in (100.3 x 69.9 cm) The Wolfsonian–FIU, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, XX1990.3172](https://miamibeachjournal.org/uploads/scraped/21/article_21_65f08a3ecc3e0b1fb6c11c15a364ffdc.jpg)
The exhibition is organized thematically, exploring Genoa's reputation as a center of luxury goods, its role in Mediterranean trade networks, and how these economic relationships influenced artistic production. Visitors can expect to see examples of decorative arts, textiles, ceramics, and design objects that illustrate these cultural exchanges.
For Miami Beach residents, the exhibition offers an opportunity to explore how historical port cities developed their cultural identities through international trade and cultural exchange — dynamics that continue to shape Miami Beach today.
The Wolfsonian, part of Florida International University, is open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours. The museum is easily accessible via public transportation and is within walking distance of many South Beach hotels and restaurants.
"La Superba: Genoa and the Wolfsonian" represents the latest in The Wolfsonian's ongoing mission to illuminate how design and decorative arts reflect broader social, political and cultural movements throughout history.
Admission information and visiting hours are available at wolfsonian.org or by calling the museum directly.
