Free admission for Italian state museums gains momentum

Italian state museums are experiencing a reformist phase, with discussions about introducing free admission for major institutions. The article argues that free entry, modeled after the UK's 2001 policy under Tony Blair, could transform museums into civic spaces and economic drivers. In the UK, free admission led to a 150% increase in visits, with every pound invested generating £3.50 in tourism revenue. Italian experiments include Rome's Musei Capitolini offering free entry to minor sites and Maxxi considering free collection access with paid exhibitions. The author contends that free admission would not apply to overcrowded museums like Uffizi or Galleria Borghese but could benefit most state museums, boosting ancillary services and private sponsorship. The policy shift would require new professionals and organizational changes to maximize economic returns.