Medal for merit in school, culture and art

The Medal for Meritorious Service in Education, Culture and Art (Medaglia ai benemeriti della scuola, della cultura e dell'arte), and its accompanying diploma, were established by the Italian government under Law No. 1093 of 1950 for people and organizations that, through works of recognized value, distinguished services, or substantial donations, had earned particular merit in the fields of education and schooling, and in the dissemination and advancement of culture.

The diploma of merit may be of first, second, or third class and entitles its holder to wear the gold, silver, or bronze medal, respectively.

The regulations for the award were approved in 1952. This recognition replaced the Star of Merit for Education, the Public Education Merit Award, and the Arts Merit Award, and the relevant establishing provisions of 1939 and 1940 were therefore repealed by Law No. 1093 of 1950. The same law, however, doubled the annual number of awards of the merit award for elementary and nursery education, established in 1928.