Nancy Olnick, one of the Co-founders of Magazzino Italian Art, received the Insignia of Knight of the Italian Republic from Ambassador Mariangela Zappia at the Consulate General of Italy in New York.
This recognition, bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, is known as the Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana. It is granted for outstanding contributions to the nation in various fields such as literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities. Established in 1951 by Luigi Einaudi, the President of the Italian Republic, it is the highest-ranking award of the Italian Republic.
During the ceremony, Cav. Nancy Olnick was joined by her husband, Cav. Giorgio Spanu, along with family members and friends. The event was attended by Consul General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, Giorgia Di Michele, and Consul Cesare Bieller.
This knighthood serves as a testament to Cav. Nancy Olnick’s deep commitment and affection for Italy, as well as her dedication to promoting the richness of Italian art and culture. Her influence is evident in her pivotal role in the establishment of Magazzino Italian Art, the sole American museum exclusively dedicated to postwar and contemporary Italian art. Over the past seven years, Magazzino has evolved into a cultural hub, organizing both national and international exhibitions, projects, an annual scholarship, publishing books, and inaugurating the Germano Celant Research Center. In 2023, the museum expanded to include the Robert Olnick Pavilion.
Nancy Olnick holds a BA from Barnard College, NY, and an MBA from the University of Arizona. A native of New York City, she divides her time between the city and Garrison, NY, with her husband Giorgio Spanu.
As the Co-founder of the Olnick Spanu Collection alongside Giorgio Spanu, Nancy focuses on modern and contemporary Italian art, Murano glass, ceramics, design, artists’ jewelry, and art books. In 2003, she co-founded The Olnick Spanu Art Program in Garrison, NY, an annual art residency program for emerging and mid-career Italian artists. The program also specializes in publishing books and producing films dedicated to contemporary Italian art, design, and architecture. In 2017, together with Giorgio Spanu, she co-founded Magazzino Italian Art Museum, which expanded in 2023 to include the Robert Olnick Pavilion, honoring Nancy’s father’s legacy and lifelong commitment to art and philanthropy. She is a board member of the American Jewish Committee Women’s Leadership Council and RxART.
