€1.2M Transfer from Uffizi to Capodimonte Raises Questions

A decree dated February 13, 2025, mandates the transfer of €1.2 million from the budget of the Gallerie degli Uffizi in Florence to the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples. The official document, published discreetly on February 15, states the transfer aims to restore Capodimonte's financial equilibrium, enabled by the Ministry of Culture's ability to shift resources between treasury accounts. The move coincides with Eike Schmidt's transition from director of the Uffizi to director of Capodimonte, though Schmidt claims the decision predates his appointment, originating in early October 2024. Critics question why the Uffizi, despite record revenues of €60 million, was chosen over wealthier state museums like the Colosseum (€62 million in 2022) or Pompeii (€34 million). The Ministry cites a legal provision allowing museums to allocate up to 20% of their revenues to support other state entities. Capodimonte, which earned only €1 million in 2022, ranking last among Italy's top 20 mega-museums, has recently pursued large-scale projects like a loan to the Louvre and established an Advisory Board for private investments, suggesting it may not be the most needy institution. Journalist Marco Ferri of Il Fatto Quotidiano argues that other museums lacking autonomous status would benefit more from such funding.