“without stones there is no arch”
– Marco Polo
“without stones there is no arch”
– Marco Polo
- Mission
MarcoPolo700 is a global
initiative with a universal message
To follow the footsteps of MarcoPolo and his legacy to promote free trade, cultural diversity through respect of history, diverse religions and
languages plus to promote tourism and cultural understanding, through research, education and AI competitions.
exhibition
In an analogue and digital interactive travelling exhibition of the world’s most coveted masterpieces, it unites today’s forefront of cultural expertise and ownership.
journey
Following Marco Polo’s courageous journey to pursue an open exchange of culture and goods, MarcoPolo700 celebrates the Venetian merchant’s spirit of vivid trade and learning without limits.
Global Harmony
On a voyage from Venice through Istanbul to the Middle East, Shanghai and Singapore, our inclusive curation of top-tier artworks aims to unify continents in their centuries-old expression of humanity’s fundamental quest for growth. We strive to hold up Marco Polo’s historical blueprint for the simple truth that differences must be embraced for wealth, art and knowledge to flourish.
FUTURE VISIons
In practical testimony to this mission, MarcoPolo700 Foundation will additionally organize annual digital art competitions for students among participating cities. Dedicated to the next generation’s outlook, this educational ambition is to foster creativity and technological understanding, while promoting appreciation of different cultures.
- Annual digital art competitions
High Schools will be nominated by Silkroad cities & towns in regions such as:
 Azerbaijan |
 Turkmenistan |
| Korea |
Malaysia |
| Egypt |
Singapore |
| Italy |
Indonesia |
| Turkey |
Kazakhstan |
| Pakistan |
India |
| Mongolia |
Sri Lanka |
- Concept
Masterpieces from:
Leonardo Da Vinci
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
Qing Dynasty artists and more…
Cities
Venice
Istanbul
Delhi
Shanghai and more…
The roadshow
In celebration of the 700 year anniversary of Marco Polo’s passing, MarcoPolo700 is organizing a very unique exhibition celebrating lively trade, cultural exchange, creativity and education.
The cornerstone of the travelling exhibition is a unique traveling digital and physical art curation featuring artworks rarely been seen in public before.
The exhibition will visit 10 major cities along Marco Polo’s footsteps starting in Venice, Italy finding its way to China.
The exhibition will be complemented by an innovative digital platform accessible from anywhere.
- Innovation
- Innovation
Experience
Immersive metaverse experience
VIP membership tiers
Global digitisation strategy
Opportunities for corporate sponsors and individual supporters
focus on
- Research
Experience
Bridging the Past and Present through Global Research Collaborations
Our MarcoPolo700 Foundation’s research focus will be connecting the historical research on MarcoPolo’s iconic journey to the East with current-day contexts by various researchers from Italy, France, Germany, U.K., Japan & China.
Our Foundation seeks for continued funding for expanded research focusing with special emphasis on cross border collaboration amongst researchers from Università Ca’ Foscari of Italy, Durham University of U.K., Université de Toulouse of France, Universität Stuttgart of Germany, National University of Singapore & Beijing University of China.
Our Foundation aims at bringing MarcoPolo’s story into meaningful dialog from East to West, as well as from West to East amongst diverse EastWest’s cultures, histories, religions, norms, and languages.
Our Foundation is working to inviting international MarcoPolo researchers from UK, Europe, Turkey, Middle East and Asia in collaboration with art historians, modern linguists, anthropologists, free trade policy makers, global economists, etc. to examine historical manuscripts, artefacts, old maps, arts which had lasting legacy on intercultural understanding especially at times of global tensions and wars dividing peoples in various region of the world.
- Partnerships
Marcopolo700
Fostering global collaborative excellence we value our esteemed strategic partners
- Status
Registration
- Team
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND MARCOPOLO700
Kevin Adeson
CEO & Board Member
Rupert Gather
Board Member & Independent Trustee
John Orchard
Board Member & Independent Trustee
George Lam
Board Member & Independent Trustee
Shelley Lewis
Co-Chair Middle East Committee
Sehee Kim
Co-Chair Digital Creative
Committee
Frederik Kragh
Head of Digital
Florian Ehrbar
Chief Operating Officer & Compliance
Marcello Bolognari
Head of Research
Bigna Pfenninger
Co-Chair Art and Exhibition Committee
David Piesse
Co-Chair Global AI digital Arts Competition
Rob Kettlewell
Fund Raising
Simon Je
Co-Chair Family Office Committee
Arash Torabi
Co-Chair Fundraising Committee
Dave Mousley
Co-Chair of AI Competition Judging Committee
Leadership
Kevin Adeson
CEO & Board Member
Kevin Adeson, the visionary leader and CEO of MarcoPolo700 Foundation, brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career.
Formerly the Head of Leveraged & Acquisition Finance-Europe at HSBC Mr. Adeson has seamlessly transitioned to spearhead MarcoPolo700, a global initiative with a universal message.
Rupert Gather
Board Member & Independent Trustee
Rupert Gather, InvestUK Group founder, a leader in UK foreign direct investment with 360 deals and £220M FDI raised. Expert in corporate finance and venture capital, he advocates for the UK enterprise economy. As an Independent Trustee for Education, he focuses on improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and chairs a Multi Academy Trust. Rupert’s diverse expertise aligns seamlessly with our mission.
Leadership
John Orchard
Independent Trustees
John brings his rich leadership and financial expertise as OMFIF’s CEO and former Euromoney board member. With a strong background in strategic oversight and financial management, he’s adept at steering organizations. His double honors degree in German language and European history reflects a broad academic foundation. John’s diverse skills align seamlessly with The Marco Polo 700 Foundation’s mission, enriching the team’s perspectives.
George Lam
Board Member & Independent Trustee
CEO of a global investment firm and Independent Trustee, George is renowned for financial acumen and strategic leadership. Active in philanthropy and aligned with The Marco Polo 700 Foundation’s mission, he holds advanced degrees in finance and economics. A thought leader in international conferences, George currently chairs the UN Sustainable Business Council in the Asia Pacific, showcasing his commitment to sustainable development alongside his contributions to education and the Foundation.
