Heirs of Marino Marini appeal to Interior Minister over foundation exclusion

The descendants of sculptor Marino Marini have addressed a letter to Matteo Piantedosi, the Italian Interior Minister, challenging their omission from the board of the Fondazione Marino Marini in Pistoia. This foundation entered extraordinary administration in October 2023 after failing to submit its 2022 budget. Raffaele Ruberto's appointment as commissioner was extended for an additional four months in October 2024. The new board, which will be appointed by the Municipality of Pistoia, the Soprintendenza, and Intesa Sanpaolo, has sparked controversy. Heirs Loraine Ricklin Pedrazzini and Paolo, Gianni, Noé, and Lola Pedrazzini claim this exclusion undermines the founder's intentions and have lodged appeals, expecting a decision by spring 2025. Established in 1983, the foundation operates alongside the Marino Marini Museum in Florence, which opened in 1988. The Pistoia location reopened in summer 2024 with the exhibition "Marino e Pistoia. Di nuovo insieme," set for a special reopening from December 14 to January 6.