Italian Culture Minister Bonisoli Plans to End Free Museum Sundays

In August 2018, Italy's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Alberto Bonisoli, revealed intentions to eliminate the policy of free entry on the first Sunday of each month for state museums, a measure established by his predecessor, Dario Franceschini. Bonisoli contended that the initiative was no longer feasible, facing opposition from museum directors regarding the requirement. This policy, active since 2014, had boosted both visitor numbers and revenue, with total earnings from museums increasing from €40.7 million in 2013 to €48.6 million in 2017, while paying visitors rose by 37% to reach 24 million. Critics maintained that free Sundays promoted cultural access and tourism. Bonisoli emphasized his support for free admission but advocated for decisions to be made by individual directors, gaining backing from prominent museum leaders.