Italian Culture Ministry's Policies Stuck in the 1960s, Says Critic

Stefano Monti, partner at Monti&Taft, argues that Italy's Ministry of Culture operates with a mindset from the 1960s, evidenced by its surprise at high visitor numbers to monuments on Ferragosto (August 15). He criticizes the Ministry for treating museum openings on public holidays as a bold gamble, when in reality lifestyle changes since the 1960s—such as weekend shopping and extended commercial hours—make such openings logical. Monti calls for extended hours, including nighttime openings, and argues that public cultural institutions should not be subject solely to market logic but should serve social investment, creating jobs and new habits. He urges the Ministry to take risks, noting that private sector managers sometimes operate at a loss to create new markets. The article, published on Artribune, reflects on Italy's cultural policy stagnation.