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Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev on Castello di Rivoli's Digital Shift and Post-Covid Future

institutional · 2026-04-27

During an Instagram Live session on Artribune's '10 alle 10', Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, the director of Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, addressed the museum's shutdown on February 24, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent digital efforts. Instead of traditional exhibitions, the museum hosted a virtual inauguration featuring Uli Sigg and Ai Weiwei. She pointed out the introduction of Cosmo Digitale on March 4 for showcasing digital artworks, which she contrasted with the Artenaute educational initiative. Christov-Bakargiev expressed optimism about the Venice Biennale retaining its physical format, while also acknowledging the anti-technology views of younger generations. She noted the delay of Anne Imhof's exhibition and mentioned that American institutions like MoMA are facing major obstacles, predicting a two-year recovery, while the Serpentine Gallery plans to furlough staff starting in May.

Key facts

  • Castello di Rivoli closed on February 24, 2020, the day of three planned exhibition openings.
  • The museum launched Cosmo Digitale on March 4, 2020, an online platform for digital artworks.
  • Cosmo Digitale features works by Giuseppe Penone created specifically for online viewing.
  • Christov-Bakargiev opposes a digital Venice Biennale, citing the importance of physical presence.
  • The museum acquired Jordan Wolfson's VR work 'Real Violence' and plans a future Wolfson exhibition.
  • Anne Imhof's exhibition at Castello di Rivoli was postponed; it was organized with Tate and The Art Institute of Chicago.
  • MoMA's Glenn Lowry estimates a two-year recovery for museums reliant on tourism.
  • Serpentine Gallery will furlough staff starting May 2020.
  • The museum uses wearby.com/castellodirivoli for remote team collaboration.

Entities

Artists

  • Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev
  • Massimiliano Tonelli
  • Giulio Alvigini
  • Andrea Concas
  • Giovanna Melandri
  • Angel Moya Garcia
  • Lorenzo Giusti
  • Lorenza Baroncelli
  • Paola Manfredi
  • Lara Facco
  • Umberto Croppi
  • Mauro Felicori
  • Tommaso Sacchi
  • Costantino d'Orazio
  • Uli Sigg
  • Ai Weiwei
  • Renato Leotta
  • Giuseppe Penone
  • Gianluigi Recuperati
  • Cecilia Alemani
  • Anri Sala
  • Jordan Wolfson
  • Anne Imhof
  • Glenn Lowry
  • Mario Merz
  • Jannis Kounellis

Institutions

  • Artribune
  • Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea
  • Maxxi
  • GAMeC di Bergamo
  • Triennale
  • Federculture
  • Quadriennale
  • Biennale di Sydney
  • Biennale di Venezia
  • Tate
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • MoMA
  • Serpentine Gallery
  • Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Leftloft
  • Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts

Locations

  • Rivoli
  • Italy
  • Sydney
  • Australia
  • Venice
  • Chicago
  • New York
  • London
  • Emilia Romagna
  • Firenze
  • Bergamo
  • Istanbul
  • Turkey

Sources