The Italian Cultural Institute in Chicago is the cultural office of the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago. Founded in 1985, the Institute is one of five cultural agencies of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the United States. It is located in the heart of Chicago along the Magnificent Mile. The Institute operates as a source of information on Italian life and culture and showcases Italian classical and contemporary heritage with particular reference to art, music, cinema, design, architecture, literature, fashion, to theatre, cuisine, science and technology.