Artribune Criticizes Macro Asilo, Bergamo Responds with Sarcasm

On September 29, 2018, Artribune published a critical analysis of Rome's Macro museum, reopened as Macro Asilo under director Giorgio De Finis, framing it as the first museum aligned with Italy's populist, parafascist ruling class. Deputy Mayor and Culture Councillor Luca Bergamo responded on Facebook, dismissing the critique as lacking rigor and accusing Artribune of impeding debate. Artribune editor Massimiliano Tonelli counters that Bergamo's response confirms the original thesis, noting the use of delegitimizing rhetoric reminiscent of Emilio Fede. Tonelli highlights that Bergamo failed to address substantive points, instead questioning the timing of the critique and defending the project's 8,000-strong opening crowd. He also recalls that De Finis previously blocked an interview with an Artribune journalist, undermining claims of openness. The article accuses Bergamo of cronyism and De Finis of insulting critics, calling the museum a 'regime museum' and comparing the political atmosphere to 1925 fascism.