“Sister Museum Pact” Signed Between San Diego and Genoa: A Cultural Bridge Across the Ocean is Born
Genoa / San Diego, July 2025 – The “Sister Museum Pact” was officially signed today between the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Promotori dei Musei del Mare, representing a working group composed of the Mu.MA Institution, the MEI Foundation, and the U.S. Consular Agency in Genoa. The signing, which took place via a live connection between the two cities, marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between two major museum institutions, both rooted in strong maritime traditions.
“This alliance is far more than a formal agreement,” stated Maurizio Daccà, President of the Promotori dei Musei del Mare. “It is a living project, forward-looking and born from a shared desire to promote maritime culture as a common heritage and a resource for building connections among people, stories, and territories.” The Association, active for over twenty years, has played a pivotal role in developing Genoa’s maritime museum system, contributing to the creation of the Galata Museo del Mare, the Commenda, and the Padiglione del Mare.
“This agreement offers a tangible opportunity to strengthen ties between our communities,” added Anna Dentoni, Secretary General of the Promotori dei Musei del Mare, “and it will enable us to share visions, values, and expertise in an ongoing dialogue between Genoa and San Diego.”
Pierangelo Campodonico, Director of Mu.MA and MEI Foundation, commented: “Genoa and San Diego are port cities that have always seen the sea as a lens through which to understand and engage with the world. Through this pact, we aim to reinforce that connection and transform it into a concrete opportunity for cultural, educational, and social growth for both communities. Mu.MA has long been committed to sharing its expertise on both a national and international level, as demonstrated by numerous exhibitions and permanent installations developed over the years. This collaboration opens new avenues for promoting maritime culture through a shared and forward-looking approach.”
Christina Connett Brophy, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego and initiator of the agreement, expressed great enthusiasm for the new partnership: “We are thrilled about this agreement. Genoa is a city with which we share a remarkable maritime vision and heritage. This pact lays the foundation for a deep and lasting dialogue, rich with opportunities for both communities.” She added: “This Museum Partnership with Genoa exemplifies the Museum’s new long-term vision for expanding its role in education, ocean sustainability, and cultural engagement.”
Kenneth Stipanov, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, said “On behalf of the Board and of the entire San Diego region, we welcome this unique opportunity to explore with another highly acclaimed institution how international maritime commerce changed history and continues to shape the world of today.”
The agreement includes a series of joint initiatives such as exhibitions, educational programs, cultural events, and co-curated digital projects focusing on maritime heritage, human experiences, innovation, environmental sustainability, food culture, and entrepreneurship. Special attention will be given to collecting stories and memories from San Diego’s Italian-American community, particularly those with maritime ties.
The initiative aims to engage the entire maritime ecosystem—from the shipping industry to nautical sports, and ocean conservation initiatives—with the goal of fostering an integrated vision of cultural, educational, and economic exchange across the ocean.
All activities will be coordinated through a Biennial Action Plan, currently being finalized, which will guide the partnership’s development with strategic coherence and long-term vision.
Photo credit: Maritime Museum of San Diego