Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò was founded with the specific intent of spreading Italian culture outside of its national boundaries, with the belief that Italian culture belongs not only to the Italians but also to whomever has the desire to get to know more about it. The principle that shapes the work of this institution finds adequate expression in the words of Erasmus of Rotterdam, "All we who are learned are Italians." At Casa Italiana, Italian culture is an integral and necessary part of universal culture, addressing in particular university students studying Italian and Italian-American issues.