The friends who guided the first tourists around the villa's rooms and gardens decided to actively dedicate themselves to the rediscovery of this artistic estate.
This group of friends has been growing in number and enthusiasm through the years, and achieved operational acknowledgement by The Town Council, leading to the official constitution of the Association with notarial act on 5th April 1994.
In 1997 the Association was certified as a registered, non-lucrative body of volunteers, not only from Lainate, that share the institutional statute.
Out of 160 members, 80 take active part in the organization of the activities, in particular guided tours, in accordance to a programme stipulated with The Town Council of Lainate.
The volunteers accompany an average of 20.000 tourists per year (from May to October).
The Association has the following main objectives:
- protect the artistic and historical legacy of The Borromeo Visconti Litta Villa in Lainate;
- cooperate with The Town Council with regard to the advertising and management of The Borromeo Visconti Litta Villa;
-research documentation concerning works of art, once belonging to the owners of Villa Litta, and now scattered in many national and international museums;
-increase the interest for The Litta Villa by means of guided tours, shows and historical recreations, publication of studies and leaflets, research of original documents, archives and bibliographical sources;
- invite pupils and students living in the area to take part in training courses providing them with available knowledge about local artistic monuments and, in particular with regard to The Litta Villa, in order to be able to qualify future volunteers as guides.
- promote cultural initiatives, conferences and art exhibitions taking place at Villa Litta.
The Association was awarded the following:
20th December 1996
Mr Livio Tamberi, President of the Province of Milan, confers the Gratitude Golden Medal - volunteers achievement.
25th April 2004
Mr Pietro Romanò, Mayor of Lainate, confers the Galatea Prize on behalf of The Town Council.