The Società Operaia Italiana di Mutuo Soccorso in Costantinopoli (TheItalian Workers’ Association) was founded in 1863, in Beyoğlu/Pera andGiuseppe Garibaldi was its founding president. The existing building ofthe Association dates back to 1885 and it was last restored in 1909; aftermore than a century it needed further restoration and modernization.The Garibaldi Gallery inside the Consulate General of Italy in Istanbulwas created to host the artworks (mainly statues, paintings, and textiles),the precious documents (architectural drawings, letters, registers,and meeting minutes) and the historic books that belong to the Associationduring the restoration process, to make sure they remain accessible evenwhile the building remains closed to public.