Siena: The Heart of Tuscany

Following the screening of
"Tuscany Beyond Expectations"
(Italy, 2020, 27 min.)
Directed by
Brian Gendece
What happens when an American (Brian) is invited by a complete stranger in Italy (Roberto) to discover Tuscany without preconceptions? Join us on a journey through a Tuscany that few have seen. From lush landscapes to off-the-beaten-path discoveries, you will meet the people, hear their intimate stories, learn their traditions and revel in the spirit of the people who live there.
Followed by a roundtable inspired by the Metropolitan Museum exhibit Siena: The Rise of Painting. This conversation explores the past and present of Siena. What can we take from the past to help us shape the future? How can thoughtful tourism have a positive impact on present-day Tuscany?
Featuring:
Roberto Bechi (Siena-based Tour Guide)
Sienese Society and Culture in the 14th century and today
Eugenio Refini (NYU Professor of Italian Studies)
Visible Speech: Medieval Siena between Words and Images
Roberto Guiggiani (Professor of Tourism Sciences, Fondazione Campus)
The Impact of Tourism: Changes over Time
Patricia Camerota (Social Media Manager and Consultant)
Studying Abroad in Siena as an American
Brian Gendece (Director and Co-Producer)
“Tuscany Beyond Expectations”: Are you a Tourist or a Traveler?
Moderated by
Jane Tylus (Yale University)
Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò
New York University
January 23, 2025