The Mario Lanza Institute has an ongoing capital campaign fund for the new location for the Mario Lanza Museum and its office. They are reaching out to the fans of the great tenor around the world as well as to the community and residents of Philadelphia and to organizations and companies for donations to complete the necessary renovation so that the museum can open to the public sometime in the late spring.

Many of the traditions are slowly disappearing in the Italian American communities around the United States and the Mario Lanza Museum needs to be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The Lanza Institute needed to find a new location for its office and the museum as the building that they leased some space in was sold to a developer.

They are currently renovating a space on Reed St off of 12th Street that will house the vast collection of Lanza memorabilia. The area chosen for the new location is experiencing a renaissance and the Institute felt it would be a good fit them and provide more foot traffic for the museum. A number of educational programs are planned for the new location which will continue to make it a vital part of the local community and the city of Philadelphia.

The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help perpetuate Lanza’s dream of aiding young aspiring opera singers through scholarships.  To date the Institute has awarded over 250 scholarships with many going on to stellar careers on the world’s great opera and concert stages.

Mario Lanza was born in South Philadelphia and was an ambassador for all good music.  Through his films, concerts, recordings, radio show, and television appearances, he brought great enjoyment to all who experienced his wonderful and exciting talent and introduced many to the world of opera for the very first time.

For more information and to make an online donation please visit the Mario Lanza Institute’s web site at www.mariolanzainstitute.org. Donations may also be made by check made out to Mario Lanza Institute and sent to Mario Lanza Institute P.O. Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148-0624.