The University for heritage education. Between history, possibilities and perspectives | L’Università per l’educazione al patrimonio culturale tra storia, possibilità e prospettive

Since the beginning of the last century the social and educational function of the museum was at the center of debates and pioneering initiatives at an international level. Retracing the significant junctions in Italy for the establishment of an active role of universities in this sector, it will be seen how it happens belatedly and, still today, not fully resolved on the regulatory level.Given the emergence of the three university missions of teaching, research and third mission, their peculiarities and perspectives in the field of heritage education will be highlighted here. If on the one hand a paradigm shift is necessary in the analysis of training university for education professionals, intending here to demonstrate how the current possibilities are inextricably linked to the recognition of the professional figure, on the other research and third mission not only deny the previously highlighted disconnect between academia and society, but highlight the mutual enrichment deriving from interwoven relationships and potential yet to be developed.