Italian museums face uncertain reopening amid pandemic challenges

Italian museums and exhibition venues are grappling with uncertainty following Prime Minister Conte's announcement of a potential reopening date of May 18. The Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome, home to the major Raphael exhibition 'Raffaello 500,' is preparing for reopening but awaits official confirmation. Protective covers have been placed on drawings to pause their exposure time. Palazzo Reale in Milan faces complications with the Georges de La Tour retrospective and the Thannhauser Collection from the Guggenheim, which cannot be de-installed and returned. The Chiostro del Bramante in Rome had to cancel its Banksy exhibition as artworks never arrived. The Accademia Carrara in Bergamo will not extend its Simone Peterzano retrospective, which ends on May 17, due to financial constraints including daily security costs of €1,500 and insurance issues. Director Gianpietro Bonaldi emphasizes the need for budget sustainability and plans to focus on the permanent collection and digitalization.