Galleria Nazionale di Roma may lose 49 archives over donation irregularities

The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GNAMC) in Rome is facing a crisis over 49 archives acquired between 2017 and 2024 under former director Cristiana Collu. Current director Renata Cristina Mazzantini has declared the donations null, citing non-compliance with legal and ministerial procedures. The archives were acquired without inventory, cultural interest declaration, economic valuation, or notary involvement. Mazzantini has sent letters to approximately 30 donors or their heirs, inviting them to retrieve the archives or re-donate following proper procedures. The controversy gained public attention after an article by writer Dacia Maraini appeared in Corriere della Sera on January 20, 2026. Meanwhile, the museum is preparing to renovate the Ala Cosenza with a €15 million state investment to house a new research center focused on archives. Mazzantini insists the regularization is necessary for legal compliance and that no archives have been returned yet. She emphasizes that the museum lacks legal personality and cannot acquire property directly; only the Ministry of Culture can. The situation has sparked debate among intellectuals, artists, and curators on social media.