Until recently, there have only been two institutions in Italy classified as ‘Istituto Raro’ (Unique Institutions): The Antonio Stradivari International School of Violin Making in Cremona, and The Institutum Statuaria Ars Carrara Pietro Tacca IPSAM in Carrara for marble sculpting. Both are extremely exclusive in their own right. The former celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. The establishment of the latter dates back to the end of the 19th century.
The singularity of the specializations of these internationally renowned institutions categorically reduces any applications from the ordinary parameters of the Italian school system, allowing them to maintain their autonomy of management regardless of the number of students enrolled in their faculties.
From March 2017, Italy will recognize a third institution with the 'Raro' predicate. This is the Istituto Superiore
