The Associazione culturale Duca Marcello Visconti di Modrone per la storia dell'industria (formerly the Centro Visconti di Modrone per la storia dell'industria) was founded in 1992, with the aim of promoting research and study on the history of industry and entrepreneurship in Lombardy, in which the Visconti di Modrone family has always played a prominent role. Directly connected with this mission is the protection and valorization of the rich Visconti di Modrone archive, entrusted for preservation to the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore by the convention of 25 July 1979. The commitment of the Association, which is based in the Dipartimento di Storia dell'economia, della società e di scienze del territorio "Mario Romani"of the university, has made it possible in recent years to carry out various initiatives for the preservation, study and dissemination of the precious documentary heritage of the archive, testament to the innovative spirit, cultural curiosity and entrepreneurial initiative of certain members of the family, such as Duke Raimondo, founder of the Cotonificio di Vaprio d'Adda, or Giuseppe, creator of the GiViEmme brand, a leader in the cosmetics industry in the first half of the 20th century. In the cultural field, we must not forget the Dukes Carlo, Guido and Uberto - entrepreneurs of the Teatro alla Scala and patrons of the Milanese opera world - and the great film director Luchino Visconti.

The archive is above all a large documentary complex that tells a long family history, intertwined with that of the city of Milan, Lombardy and the entire country. In addition to conferences, documentary exhibitions and publications, the Association has promoted the archival inventory of numerous fonds within the archive, now equipped with paper and digital finding aid, as well as a campaign of restoration of the most fragile and valuable documents, including illuminated parchments, maps and rare drawings.

To honor its statutory commitments, the archive’s holdings at Università Cattolica is open to consultation by scholars, researchers, undergraduates and doctoral candidates.

The Honorary President of the Associazione is Chiara Visconti di Modrone. The President is Dr. Luca Visconti di Modrone. The Director and one of the founders of the Associazione was for a long time Professor Sergio Zaninelli, who was succeeded in 2008 by Professor Maria Bocci.