by InTrieste
Tucked into the historic slopes of the San Giusto hill, a century of childhood memories and educational milestones are coming to life in an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the San Giusto Nursery School. Originally established in 1924 as the “Nido Regina Elena,” the institution has undergone profound transformations, becoming a cornerstone of early childhood education in Trieste.
The exhibition, “1924-2024: A Century of History of the San Giusto Nursery School,” opens on Tuesday, November 26, at the Arturo Fittke Hall in Piazza Piccola. Maurizio De Blasio, the city’s councillor for Education and Family Policies, will inaugurate the event, which pays homage to the institution’s evolution from its origins as a nursery dedicated to Queen Elena to its current role in fostering inclusive and innovative early education.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
Visitors will step into a vivid chronicle of history through archival documents, photographs, and personal testimonies from past and present educators. A video interview, playing on a continuous loop, weaves together voices from the school’s long legacy, while artifacts like an original notebook signed by Queen Elena during her 1931 visit add a regal touch.
“The San Giusto Nursery has always mirrored the community it serves, adapting and evolving to meet the needs of families while maintaining its commitment to quality education,” said De Blasio.
The exhibition will also spotlight significant renovations completed in recent years, including compliance with modern fire safety regulations, the removal of architectural barriers, and the revitalization of outdoor spaces to promote “outdoor education” – an approach emphasizing the importance of learning through nature and play.
Play and Participation for All Ages
Running concurrently with the exhibition, the San Giusto Nursery will host interactive workshops for young children and their families. Activities like “Painting in Play” and “Heuristic Play” align with the principles of early childhood pedagogy, drawing inspiration from Italian educator Gianfranco Zavalloni’s Natural Rights of Children. Posters illustrating these rights will remain on permanent display at the nursery, underscoring its enduring mission to support curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
“The workshops reflect the heart of what we do,” an educator explained. “It’s about engaging children, families, and the community in meaningful ways.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
The San Giusto Nursery was originally founded during a period of intense urban development in Trieste. Renamed in 1935 as the Casa della Madre e del Bambino San Giusto (House of Mother and Child San Giusto), it provided essential services to families in newly built public housing. The school’s mission has remained steadfast even as its physical spaces and teaching practices have evolved.
Open from November 26 to 29, the exhibition will offer a thoughtful journey through 100 years of care and education, inviting reflection on the changing role of nurseries in society and celebrating the institution’s resilience and adaptability.
For locals and visitors alike, this event is a reminder of how deeply rooted community institutions like the San Giusto Nursery are in the fabric of everyday life. For the families of today, it’s a celebration of the past – and a promise for the future.
If you go:
“1924-2024: A Century of History of the San Giusto Nursery School”
When: November 26-29, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Arturo Fittke Hall, Piazza Piccola 3, Trieste
Admission: Free
