Italy's Craft Museums Are Mediocre and Harmful, Says Artribune

Massimiliano Tonelli argues in Artribune that Italy lacks world-class museums dedicated to craftsmanship, despite the country's global reputation for artisanal industries. While major autonomous museums have improved recently, no national museum for fashion or other crafts exists at a competitive level. Private efforts like Museo Gucci and Museo Ferragamo cannot compensate for state absence. Hundreds of small museums for shoes, leather, lace, silk, hats, and wool exist but are dusty, outdated, and fail to engage audiences. Tonelli calls these institutions counterproductive, as they damage the image of Italian craftsmanship rather than enhancing it. He urges that such museums be closed until they can be redesigned with contemporary architecture, immersive technology, and compelling narratives. The goal should be to attract young people to craft careers, especially with PNRR funds targeting internal areas where craftsmanship remains strong. The article was published in Artribune Magazine #61.