Intellectuals petition to block MAXXI L'Aquila opening, propose MuNDA instead

A collective of artists, scholars, and art industry professionals has urged Italian Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli to transform Palazzo Ardinghelli in L'Aquila into the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo (MuNDA) rather than establishing a MAXXI satellite there. The 18th-century building, which underwent restoration costing over €7 million funded by Russia, was designated to the MAXXI Foundation in 2016 by Minister Dario Franceschini. Although the initiative, part of the 'Grandi Progetti Beni Culturali' plan, was allocated €2 million, it has encountered setbacks due to budget reductions. Petitioners contend that the palace should showcase MuNDA's collections, which remain inaccessible due to earthquake damage. Barrera has accused professor Alessandro Monti of spearheading the opposition to MAXXI and highlighted local backing for the project. The appeal also seeks to redirect MAXXI's funding to MuNDA.