Italian Citizens and Intellectuals Defend Museum Autonomy Against Bonisoli Reform
In Italy, a political conflict arises over Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli's decision to annul the independent status of state museums and archaeological parks that were established through the 2015 Franceschini reform. This decree, which received approval from the Council of Ministers on June 19, 2019, specifically affects the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Parco dell'Appia Antica, and Gallerie dell'Accademia di Firenze, while Castello di Miramare has been excluded following interventions by Governor Massimiliano Fedriga and Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni. The decree consolidates procurement processes, disbands the Istituto centrale per l'archeologia, and enhances the authority of DG Archeologia. Critics, including archaeologist Mario Torelli and 18 organizations, contend that it diminishes operational efficiency. The decree is open to amendments in parliament, leaving the future of directors in question.
Key facts
- Minister Alberto Bonisoli's decree revokes autonomy from Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Parco dell'Appia Antica, and Gallerie dell'Accademia di Firenze.
- Castello di Miramare was removed from the list after intervention by Governor Massimiliano Fedriga and Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni.
- The decree was approved by the Council of Ministers on June 19, 2019.
- The decree creates a new Direzione Generale for contracts and concessions, centralizing procurement.
- The Istituto centrale per l'archeologia is abolished.
- Valentino Nizzo, director of Villa Giulia since 2017, has led restoration of the Tempio di Alatri and increased community programs.
- Mario Torelli sent a letter to Bonisoli on June 21 expressing 'consternation' over Villa Giulia's loss of autonomy.
- Giuliano Volpe, president of the Federazione delle Consulte Universitarie di Archeologia, criticized the move, citing the Appia Antica park's need for a unified management plan.
Entities
Artists
- Simone Quilici
- Valentino Nizzo
- Andreina Contessa
- Cecilie Hollberg
- Dario Franceschini
- Alberto Bonisoli
- Salvatore Settis
- Gianni De Michelis
Institutions
- Ministero dei Beni Culturali
- Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
- Parco dell'Appia Antica
- Gallerie dell'Accademia di Firenze
- Castello di Miramare
- Consiglio dei Ministri
- Istituto centrale per l'archeologia
- DG Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio
- Federazione delle Consulte Universitarie di Archeologia
- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Artribune
- Il Foglio
- Parco Archeologico del Colosseo
- Soprintendenza capitolina
- Uffizi
- Pompei
- Colosseo
- Repubblica
- AgCult
Locations
- Italy
- Rome
- Trieste
- Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Florence
- Lazio
- Castello Miramare
- Villa Giulia
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
- Parco dell'Appia antica