Abbonamento Musei strategizes for Italian museum reopening post-lockdown

As Italian museums prepare for a potential reopening on May 18, the association Abbonamento Musei, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is implementing strategies to support cultural institutions in Lombardy, Piedmont, and Aosta Valley. Director Simona Ricci outlined plans to prioritize museums with outdoor spaces, such as the Parco delle Incisioni Rupestri in Val Camonica, Villa Reale di Monza, and the Triennale di Milano garden. During lockdown, the association maintained engagement through digital initiatives, including virtual guided tours via Google Arts & Culture at venues like Poldi Pezzoli, HangarBicocca, and Reggia di Venaria. Future plans include replacing group bus tours with downloadable podcasts for independent visits. Abbonamento Musei will also provide updated access information for each museum on its website. Ricci noted that museums face significant challenges, including reduced capacity, financial sustainability, and the loss of spring tourist flows and school groups. Many institutions have canceled exhibitions, focusing instead on permanent collections. The association aims to support museums through communication and information gathering, adapting to the new normal.