NAPLES, April 1, 2026 – The Santobono Pausilipon Pediatric Hospital and the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Municipality of Naples have joined forces to bring archaeology and art into the wards of the Pausilipon Hospital. This collaboration marks the launch of the project titled “Igea. The Art That Heals,” an initiative designed to introduce young patients undergoing treatment at the Neapolitan pediatric oncology center to the knowledge and preservation of the city’s cultural heritage, transforming them into “young officials” of the Superintendency.
“Igea. The Art That Heals”: A Joint Initiative
Through a series of theoretical and laboratory activities, participants will gain insight into Naples’ historical, artistic, and archaeological treasures, learning how these invaluable assets are continuously studied, cared for, and preserved. The project, officially signed by both entities, commenced today with its inaugural session.
Project Structure and Activities
The program comprises five meetings, each led by one or more officials from the Superintendency. These sessions will take place within the Pediatric Oncology Unit of Pausilipon Hospital, featuring a theoretical phase followed by a practical activity. This hands-on approach is specifically designed to allow young patients to creatively experiment with the knowledge acquired, immersing themselves in the fascinating worlds of art, architecture, archaeology, and restoration.
Upon completion of the meeting cycle, several educational visits are planned to significant cultural sites under the Superintendency of Naples, including the Pausilypon Archaeological Park, the Roman Baths of Via Terracina, and other notable locations.
Quotes from Project Leaders
Rodolfo Conenna, General Director of AORN Santobono Pausilipon, commented on the initiative: “With this project, the preservation of cultural heritage meets the dimension of care. The time spent in hospital is often a suspended period, removed from the daily routine of school, play, friends, and discovery. The project aims to transform this time into an opportunity for growth, imagination, and participation, offering young patients new cultural and recreational opportunities.”
Rosalia D’Apice, Superintendent of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Municipality of Naples, further explained: “The Igea project is pioneering in that it seeks to share highly specialized and technical knowledge, such as that of professionals involved in cultural heritage protection, with patients in the pediatric oncology department of Santobono Pausilipon Hospital in Naples. As the Superintendency, we are delighted to ensure that children and young people undergoing treatment can fill this suspended time with new cultural and recreational opportunities. This is achieved through activities that allow them to deepen their understanding of Naples’ historical, artistic, and archaeological heritage and to discover how this intrinsically fragile heritage, exposed to the ravages of time and countless degradation factors, is constantly monitored and protected by restorers, art historians, archaeologists, and architects.”
Transforming Hospital Stays into Opportunities for Growth
The initiative seeks to alleviate the psychological burden of hospitalization by providing engaging and educational experiences. By fostering a connection with the city’s rich past, the project aims to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging among the young patients.
This collaborative effort underscores the belief that cultural engagement can play a vital role in the healing process, offering a valuable diversion and an opportunity for personal development during challenging times. The project not only educates but also empowers these children, giving them a unique perspective on their city’s legacy and the dedicated work involved in its preservation.
The “Igea. The Art That Heals” project represents a significant step towards integrating cultural education with pediatric care, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions.
Source: ansa.it
