The new cultural institute at 2009 Altara Ave., Coral Gables, FL., one of six in the U.S. is set to showcase the best of Italy in culture, design, style and manufacturing, said Maeci Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador of Italy to the U.S.
“We want to offer and showcase here the Italian way, which is a lot of innovation and creativity.” She told me. “There are a number of Italian brands that are close by, like eateries. So, in a way, it will become an Italian destination in the middle of Coral Gables.”
Since 2018, there has been a 30% increase in residents living in South Florida, with over 50,000 reported in 2022. About 2 million Italian-Americans live in Florida alone, according to the Consulate General of Italy in Miami. There are currently over 12,500 Italian language students across the state, ranging from elementary school to college and about 150 Italian companies, which created over 7,500 jobs.
Trade and Exchange between Italy and the Southern U.S. have increased from $8.2B in 2019 to $8.4B in 2022, U.S. Department of Commerce reported in October 2022.
“So, you see the footprint of Italy in Florida Statewide,” Ambassador Zappia added. “This is the perfect location (The Italian Cultural Institute) where you will see what culture Italy has to offer traditionally but also a more modern face to it, which is what Miami is ready to get in touch with.”