Mission Statement
The Mission of de’ Medici Foundation is to preserve and advance the de’ Medici family heritage, and to engage in cultural, artistic, scientific, educational, philanthropic, and technological endeavors internationally to foster culture, stability, and prosperity.
The Medici Family
The Medici family was one of the most influential and powerful dynasties in European history. Originating from the banking sector in Florence, Italy, the Medici became prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries and played a critical role in shaping the Renaissance era. Their patronage, political influence, and strategic alliances transformed not only Italy but the entire world. By supporting great artists, scientists, and thinkers, they helped ignite a cultural and intellectual awakening that still defines Western civilization today. The de’ Medici Foundation proudly continues this legacy, bringing its values into the modern world to inspire a new era of progress, peace, and innovation.
Contributions to
Art and Culture
Perhaps the Medici family’s most celebrated legacy is their patronage of the arts. They supported some of the greatest artists, architects, and scholars of their time, enabling the flourishing of art, culture, and intellectual achievement.
- Lorenzo de’ Medici (also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent) was a renowned patron of the arts and humanities. He provided crucial support to artists like Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Under his influence, Florence became the epicenter of Renaissance art.
- The Medici-sponsored Florence Academy led to the revival of classical learning and the advancement of the sciences, ensuring that ideas and creativity could flourish across generations.
Contributions to Science and Knowledge
The Medici were also great supporters of the sciences. Their engagement with the intellectual world was foundational in the development of early modern science:
- Cosimo de’ Medici funded the work of Filippo Brunelleschi, whose innovative architectural designs included the famous dome of the Florence Cathedral.
- Lorenzo de’ Medici also supported Niccolò Machiavelli, whose work “The Prince” would go on to influence political thought for centuries.
- The Medici family’s support of figures like Galileo Galilei helped shape the development of modern astronomy and physics.
Political Influence
and Legacy
The Medici family didn’t just influence art and science; they were also key political figures. Over the years, they produced four popes and two queens, significantly impacting both the religious and political spheres of Europe.
- Pope Leo X and Pope Clement VII, for example, played important roles in European diplomacy and the Catholic Church’s involvement in the Renaissance.
- The family’s involvement in Florentine politics and diplomacy helped stabilize Italy during periods of instability.
Lorenzo de' Medici: Continuing a Timeless Legacy
Born in Catanzaro, Calabria, Lorenzo de’ Medici is a descendant of the historic Medici family. Raised with a strong Catholic foundation by his Polish-born mother, he developed a lifelong dedication to charitable work and intercultural dialogue from an early age.
His maternal grandfather was a hero of World War II, credited with saving over 6,000 Jews before being deported to a concentration camp for his courageous actions—an enduring legacy of moral strength that continues to inspire Lorenzo’s mission.
After studying Political Science in Florence and Church History at the University of Salerno, he devoted himself to humanitarian missions in Africa, supporting communities affected by disease and poverty. His work extends to cultural restoration efforts in Italy, including the preservation of historic churches, and collaboration with charitable and cultural organizations.
With an MBA in Finance from the University of Bologna, Lorenzo brings a modern approach to the Medici tradition—blending service, global engagement, and the preservation of heritage. His work is rooted in a multi-religious mission, fostering peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among people of all faiths.
de’ Medici Foundation gala dinner in Florence with Princess Natalia Strozzi Gucciardini the great granddaughter of the Monnalisa
What We're Doing Now
The Medici Foundation Today
The de’ Medici Foundation, named after this legendary family, strives to carry forward the Medici legacy of patronage, innovation, and support for artistic, scientific, and cultural development. In the spirit of the Medici family’s vision, our foundation is committed to promoting education, fostering creative collaboration, and supporting groundbreaking research and cultural preservation efforts.
