Throughout their long history, universities have helped shape a European space of knowledge, driving processes of innovation, mutual interaction, and dissemination. However, they have also taken part in some of the less glorious dynamics of European history—dynamics that today many would prefer to forget. This is evidenced by the fact that university collections include significant examples of “contested” or “dissonant” heritage, linked for instance to colonialism, discriminatory policies, or authoritarian regimes. These are objects whose meanings and critical aspects have often not been fully revealed.
This exhibition reflects on the narratives and practices that the universities of the Una Europa Alliance are developing to engage with their dissonant heritage, with particular attention to issues such as the memory of totalitarian regimes, decolonization, bridging the gender gap, care for human remains, and the curation of “silent” objects of uncertain provenance.

This virtual exhibtion is hosted by Università di Bologna and available for free.