On September 26, 2011, BMNH Director Meng Qingjin and Deputy Director Li Jianwen welcomed the visit of Mr. Vincenzo Lipardi and other delegates from Fondazione Idis- CIttà della Scienza. The leaders held talks on future exchange between the two institutions.

Mr. Lipardi is Former President of the European network of Science Centers and ScienceMuseumsand the Executive committee of Fondazione Idis- CIttà della Scienza. He has been working extensively in promoting the development and networking of science centers and museums in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was the project manager for the construction of Fondazione Idis- CIttà della Scienza.

In 2008 and 2009, BMNH and Fondazione Idis- CIttà della Scienza carried out a successful cooperative exhibition in Naples about dinosaurs fromChina. And since then, the two institutions became closer and, during the reception, the leaders expressed their determination to further forward the bilateral relationship and their interest in research, exhibition and training exchanges.