Celebrating 25 Years of a Proven Partnership to Protect Cultural Heritage
January 22, 2026
The Founder and Chairman of the Antiquities Coalition, Deborah Lehr, was delighted to join an evening hosted by the Italian Ambassador to the United States at the beautiful Villa Firenze to mark a major milestone: 25 years of the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement.
The event brought together senior leaders from government, law enforcement, museums, and the legal community to celebrate one of the most successful and enduring models for protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trade in antiquities.
Signed in 2001 and renewed four times—most recently on December 5, 2025—the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement is now the longest-standing Cultural Property Agreement in continental Europe. Its longevity is no accident. It reflects both its effectiveness and the deep, sustained partnership between the United States and Italy in confronting looting, trafficking, and organized crime.
For a quarter century, the agreement has demonstrated that Cultural Property Agreements work. They secure U.S. borders against stolen and looted antiquities, reduce demand for trafficked cultural objects, and support lawful cultural exchange. Just as importantly, they serve as powerful diplomatic tools—strengthening bilateral relationships while safeguarding humanity’s shared heritage.
The evening featured remarks and participation from an impressive group of leaders, including H.E. Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States; Darren Beattie, Senior Bureau Official at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Brigadier General Antonio Petti, Commander of Italy’s Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage; Charles Wall, Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Scott R. Schelble, Deputy Assistant Director for International Operations at the FBI.
Deborah Lehr joined a panel discussion alongside Chase F. Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and Channah Norman, Co-Chair of Art Law at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, to explore how governments, museums, and the private sector can work together to address the illicit trade in antiquities. The conversation highlighted the tangible, real-world impact of the agreement—and the importance of continued collaboration.
A Model for Combating Looting
The Cultural Property Agreement complements Italy’s robust domestic efforts to combat antiquities trafficking, particularly through the Carabinieri’s Art Crime Squad—the world’s first national force dedicated to protecting cultural heritage. The results speak for themselves. In 2013 alone, Italy reported a 29 percent decrease in looting compared to the previous year, alongside a 6 percent increase in individuals reported for cultural heritage crimes.
Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy and Exchange
Beyond enforcement, the agreement has been a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy. In 2013, the White House cited the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement as a keystone of bilateral educational exchange. Italy continues to welcome American researchers and students and has generously loaned collections to U.S. museums, reinforcing the principle that protecting heritage and sharing culture go hand in hand.
Returning Cultural Heritage Home
The agreement has also played a critical role in facilitating the return of stolen heritage. In May 2024, the United States returned roughly 600 looted and stolen artifacts to Italy, valued at an estimated $65–80 million. Italy’s Ministry of Culture marked the occasion with a public presentation and temporary exhibition—raising awareness about the devastating impact of looting and trafficking.
As the Antiquities Coalition looks ahead, the message from the evening was clear: Cultural Property Agreements help to protect borders, enable exchange, and strengthen diplomacy. They protect the US consumer. They are practical, proven tools—and they work.
The Antiquities Coalition remains committed to advancing these agreements and to building the partnerships needed to safeguard the past and secure the future.