The Place of Wonders E.T.S.

The Place of Wonders Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and transmitting the knowledge of Italian craftsmanship. Established as the corporate social responsibility project of THE – The Hospitality Experience, an Italian hotel collection in Florence, Venice and Umbria, the Foundation works to ensure that artisanal skills are not lost, but passed on to future generations.

Italian craftsmanship represents a unique cultural heritage, rooted in centuries of practice, local traditions and deep technical knowledge. Today, many of these crafts are at risk, as fewer young people have access to the time and training required to learn them. The Foundation was created to respond to this challenge, focusing not only on celebrating artisans, but on supporting the formation of new ones.

At the core of its work are educational programmes and scholarships that allow young talents to access high-level training. In Florence, the Foundation supports students at LAO – Le Arti Orafe Jewellery School, while in Venice and Umbria it promotes training paths in traditional crafts such as lace-making, glass beadwork and textile production, working directly with master artisans.

These programmes are designed to foster the direct transmission of knowledge, creating meaningful encounters between generations. Craftsmanship, in this sense, is understood not only as a technical practice, but as a living cultural expression that requires continuity.

A distinctive aspect of The Place of Wonders Foundation is its connection to hospitality. Through THE – The Hospitality Experience, the Foundation engages with an international community of travellers, offering the opportunity to visit artisans’ workshops and experience craftsmanship first-hand. These encounters often lead to a deeper form of engagement, where visitors choose to support the training of young artisans and become part of a shared cultural mission.

This model reflects a broader vision of corporate social responsibility, where hospitality becomes a platform for cultural impact and active support of local communities and traditions.

The Foundation’s work is made possible thanks to the support of donors and partners who believe in the value of craftsmanship. Contributions can support general activities, specific projects or fully fund scholarships. A full annual scholarship has a value of €8,000 and represents a concrete opportunity for a young artisan to begin or continue their training.

100% of contributions are dedicated to the Foundation’s educational programmes, directly supporting training and the transmission of knowledge.

The Place of Wonders is where travellers become patrons of craftsmanship, helping pass knowledge from one generation of hands to the next.

By supporting the Foundation, you contribute to shaping a new generation of artisans and preserving a vital part of our cultural heritage.