Italian Museums Accessibility: Experts Speak
A collective of museum experts from Italy is evaluating accessibility within the nation’s museums, recognizing advancements alongside persistent challenges. Anna Chiara Cimoli from the University of Bergamo points out the restricted institutional focus on accessibility by management. Elena Di Giovanni of Unimc Macerata refers to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a driving force behind initiatives, highlighting MUSE Trento and others as frontrunners. Monica Poggi from Camera Torino urges for collaborative strategies, while Ornella Dossi of MART Rovereto outlines a three-pronged strategy for accessibility. Linda Di Pietro from BASE Milano promotes co-design and quantifiable objectives. Andrea Viliani of Museo delle Civiltà in Rome mentions PNRR funding for eliminating barriers, and Annalisa Trasatti from Museo Omero stresses the importance of innovative solutions, noting €300 million allocated for barrier removal.
Key facts
- Anna Chiara Cimoli (University of Bergamo) notes top management often treats accessibility as a departmental issue.
- Elena Di Giovanni (Unimc Macerata) cites MUSE Trento, MART Rovereto, Museo Egizio Turin, and Castello di Rivoli as leaders.
- Monica Poggi (Camera Torino) highlights the Open CAMERA project and audience desire for involvement.
- Ornella Dossi (MART Rovereto) describes a three-pillar approach: person-centeredness, networking, constant quality.
- Linda Di Pietro (BASE Milano) advocates for co-designing with people and making accessibility a strategic priority.
- Andrea Viliani (Museo delle Civiltà, Rome) reports PNRR funds and PEBA guidelines are helping remove barriers.
- Miriam Mandosi calls for more training, professional recognition, and reflection on sustainability.
- Cristina Alga cites ecomuseum Mare Memoria Viva as a model of co-design and relationship-building.
- Melania Longo advocates for Design for All to create autonomous visits for all.
- Annalisa Trasatti (Museo Omero) highlights PNRR's €300 million for barrier removal and Italy's Law 517/77.
- The 2018 Guidelines and 2024 Manual for accessibility were produced with CNR.
- MART has had dedicated staff and budget for special projects for 25 years.
- Camera Torino's Open CAMERA project revealed audience desire to be heard.
- Museo delle Civiltà is redefining its identity and collaborating with heritage communities.
- Elena Di Giovanni notes trend toward using personal mobile devices for accessible content.
Entities
Artists
- Anna Chiara Cimoli
- Elena Di Giovanni
- Monica Poggi
- Ornella Dossi
- Linda Di Pietro
- Andrea Viliani
- Miriam Mandosi
- Cristina Alga
- Melania Longo
- Annalisa Trasatti
- Maria Chiara Ciaccheri
- Cristina Pancini
- Lucia Cecio
- Valeria Bottalico
- Danilo Dolci
- Paulo Freire
- Benasayag
- Santa Nastro
Institutions
- University of Bergamo
- Unimc Macerata
- MUSE Trento
- MART Rovereto
- Museo Egizio Turin
- Castello di Rivoli
- Camera Torino
- BASE Milano
- Museo delle Civiltà
- Mare Memoria Viva
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Museo Pecci
- Accademia Carrara Bergamo
- Ocean Space
- Club Silencio Torino
- Museo Tattile Statale Omero
- CNR
- Fondazione Querini Stampalia
- Triennale di Milano
- GAM Torino
- Istituto dei Sordi di Torino
- Artribune
- Ministero della Cultura
- Direzione Generale Musei
- PNRR
- Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
- Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi
- ICOM Italia
- Museo Popoli e Culture
- Accademia Carrara
- Fondazione Pascali
- Musei Toscani per l'Alzheimer
Locations
- Italy
- Bergamo
- Macerata
- Trento
- Rovereto
- Turin
- Rivoli
- Milan
- Rome
- Palermo
- Naples
- Venezia
- Firenze
- Milano