The Opera of Santa Croce is the lay institution which, since the fourteenth century, has been in charge of the administration of the complex of Santa Croce, and its protection and valorisation.

Being what is known as a ‘Fabbriceria', the Opera is run by a Board made up of seven directors appointed every three years by a Decree of the Ministry of the Interior, and is regulated by its own articles of association which define its institutional purpose as: “collaboration for the protection, promotion and valorisation of the Basilica and the monumental complex of Santa Croce – in its religious, civil, cultural and historic functions – as well as that of all the other cultural, moveable and property assets which are under the control of the Fabbriceria”.

While in the past the activities of the institution were supported by government funds and by the bequests and donations of private citizens, now the Opera is able to continue its function predominantly as a result of the contribution made by the visitors, together with public and private contributions.

Since 1998 the Opera of Santa Croce has been legally recognised as a non-profit organisation (ONLUS).