ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Italian museums and the 5G challenge

opinion-review · 2026-04-27

The article questions whether Italian museums are ready to adopt 5G technology, which could revolutionize event broadcasting, holograms, and IoT applications. Despite the potential, many museums still lack basic Wi-Fi, limiting visitor apps and heat mapping. The author argues that organizational reform is needed: directors are overloaded with tasks beyond their expertise, and hiring multiple specialized directors is impractical. A solution proposed is opening to private sector teams—external advisors to assist directors with strategy and implementation, formalizing existing practices. Additionally, all tech-related services (audioguides, apps, ticketing, IoT) could be outsourced. The article suggests dividing auxiliary services into Tech, Promotion & Communication, and Exhibitions & Hospitality areas.

Key facts

  • 5G could enable event broadcasting, holograms, and IoT in museums.
  • Many Italian museums still lack Wi-Fi for visitors.
  • Museum directors are expected to handle art history, economics, finance, management, technology, marketing, and communication.
  • Hiring four separate directors (Scientific, Manager, Financial, Tech) is impractical.
  • Proposed solution: external private teams as advisors to directors.
  • Tech services could be outsourced: audioguides, apps, displays, ticketing, IoT.
  • Auxiliary services could be split into Tech, Promotion & Communication, and Exhibitions & Hospitality.
  • Article published on Artribune Magazine #58.

Entities

Institutions

  • Artribune
  • Monti&Taft

Locations

  • Italy

Sources