The Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti took possession of the Palazzo Franchetti on 8 September 1999 to establish a centre for the promotion, comparison and exchange of scientific, literary, historical and artistic knowledge. On the basis of a broad, wide-ranging network of national and international cultural relations, the project involves the launch of a programme of initiatives promoted by the Institute and arising out of agreements with public and private institutions and with specialist agencies. It is also planned to accommodate research centres and institutions in specially equipped offices provided with ancillary services.
Thanks to its position in the heart of the city, the size and complexity of its spaces, its noble architecture and spacious garden fronting onto the Grand Canal, the Palazzo Franchetti fully responds to such a plan.