Italian vs American Curators: A Comparative Debate at Triennale Milano

A debate held on October 12 at Triennale Milano, featuring Marco Sammicheli (director of the Museo del Design Italiano) and Sharon Hecker (art historian and independent curator), compared curatorial practices in Italy and the United States. The curator was defined as a professional who guarantees the scientific integrity of choices, responsible for selecting works for exhibitions and offering a memorable experience while respecting truth. In Italy, the curator role lacks clear definition and is often confused with that of a museum director; there is no structured academic path or certification bodies. In the US, the profession requires a PhD in art, training primarily in university museums, and is supported by professional associations. US museums, even small ones, have internal curators, and exhibitions are often team efforts. The debate also covered social inclusion in museums, with US institutions hiring dedicated professionals for social and cultural inclusion, addressing gender balance in staffing. Italy is trying to address structural deficiencies through recent regulations. All panelists agreed on the need for internal legal offices in museums, which are absent in Italy but common even in small US museums, to provide constant support and enrich staff competencies. The discussion highlighted the need for dialogue between art professionals and jurists.