Unique in Italy and globally: international expert Faculty, hands-on learning, an exclusive programme
summer school
Art and Cultural Heritage: Law, Policy and Practice
Milano
Lifelong Learning
The Summer School in “Art and Cultural Heritage: Law, Policy and Practice” is designed to develop participants’ knowledge of the main issues in international cultural heritage law, including the regulation of the art trade, the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property, the restitution of stolen or looted artworks, and the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict.
The course will be held entirely in English and will be delivered by leading academics and practitioners in the field through in-person lectures, discussions, and group work.
Objectives
The Summer School aims to develop participants’ knowledge of the main issues in international cultural heritage law
Outcomes:
• Analysis of the legal instruments adopted by UNESCO and other international organizations
• International tools for the safeguarding of cultural heritage
• Focus on the impact of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, on art and cultural heritage
Skills:
• participants will be able to identify the main legal issues relating to the protection of cultural heritage
• participants will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the functioning and regulation of the art market
• participants will be able to identify the principal legal risks, legal challenges and legal instruments and ethical principles applicable
Open Badge and a Certificate of Attendance will be issued at the end of the course by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore to highlight and share acquired skills, abilities, and knowledge.
Programme
The course consists of in-person lectures, discussions, and group work for a total of 30 hours, from June 29 to July 3 at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan.
Main topics:
• Introduction to art law and cultural heritage law;
• The art market and its regulation;
• The protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict;
• Combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property: national and international instruments;
• Art and cultural heritage law: a comparative analysis of national models;
• The protection of underwater cultural heritage;
• Cultural heritage and human rights;
• Intellectual property law and cultural heritage;
• Dispute resolution.
Key features
In-depth insight into the dynamics and regulation of the international art market, an up-to-date knowledge of the main issues of art and cultural heritage law at a top-ranked European University
A one-of-a-kind learning experience in a vibrant, international city at the heart of Europe, one of the world’s leading hubs for the art market, that will allow you to build your global network by connecting with peers, professionals, and experts from around the world who can help shape your career
Info point
Participant profile
Students, researchers, PhD candidates in law and other disciplines such as art history, archaeology, anthropology, political science, international relations;
Lawyers, gallery owners and other professionals, collectors, journalists;
Art enthusiasts and anyone interested in deepening their knowledge in the field of art and cultural heritage law, or in orienting their career towards this sector.
Where and when
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, Milan (Italy)
29 June - 3 July 2026
Enrolment
Enrolment by May 31, 2026
Participation fees
• 990,00 € + 22% VAT: early registration, by 15 March 2026
• 1.400,00 € + 22% VAT: regular registration, by 31 May 2026
- 10% discount for graduates and diploma holders enrolled in the Premium Services of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore UCSC Alumni Community
Faculty
DIRECTION
Arianna VISCONTI
Associate Professor of Criminal Law and Law & the Arts, Faculty of Economics; Director, Graduate School ‘Federico Stella’ of Criminal Justice (ASGP)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Alessandro CHECHI
Adjunct Professor and Associate Researcher, Faculty of Law
Université Catholique de Lille
Partner
