University of Sannio Opens New Exhibition Space with a Tribute to Visual Journalism

The University of Sannio has inaugurated a new exhibition space within the Rectorate at Palazzo San Domenico, reaffirming its commitment to culture and the arts. The inaugural exhibition, “From Milan to the Moon, with a Stop in Benevento”, celebrates the work of renowned artist Dario Mellone, known for his powerful visual journalism and evocative illustrations.

The opening event, held on Monday 14 April in the Sala dell’Assunta, was attended by the University’s Rector Gerardo Canfora, Saverio Paffumi (President of the Mellone Foundation), Valerio Villoresi (CEO of the Mellone Foundation & Museum), curator Dario D’Auria, and the Mayor of Benevento, Clemente Mastella.

The exhibition marks a symbolic journey from Milan—Italy’s cultural and industrial hub—to Benevento, a city of history and knowledge. On display are twenty aluminium panels installed under the colonnade of Palazzo San Domenico, alongside sixteen original paintings from the Mellone Museum collection. Through a bold graphic style, the works narrate historic events and societal milestones—such as the conquest of space—originally featured in the pages of Corriere della Sera.

The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the University of Sannio, the Dario Mellone Foundation, and the Benevento Inside Association, with the shared aim of enhancing collective memory and expanding access to art in all its forms.

“As a university, we firmly believe in the educational value of aesthetic and symbolic experiences,” said Rector Canfora. “With this exhibition, we continue to open our doors to the world of art and culture, making the university a place of beauty, reflection, and inspiration.”

A key feature of the exhibition is its focus on accessibility: the display panels include tactile elements and Braille descriptions, allowing blind and visually impaired visitors to engage fully with Mellone’s visual language. “Our goal was to create an inclusive artistic experience,” explained curator Dario D’Auria.

Saverio Paffumi expressed appreciation for the university’s warm welcome, noting the ongoing relevance of Mellone’s lucid and poetic gaze on the world. Valerio Villoresi also emphasised the exhibition’s educational value, highlighting its ability to “stimulate critical thinking through visual storytelling.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public until the end of December 2025, offering a unique opportunity to rediscover the narrative power of images and to foster a dialogue between two cities, two cultures, and two worldviews—united by a shared vision of the future.