Italy's Museums Reopen May 18 with Strict COVID-19 Protocols

Italian museums will reopen on May 18, 2020, subject to sufficient health conditions, following strict protocols defined by the Comitato Tecnico-Scientifico. The rules vary by site type (outdoor, confined, hybrid), size, and visitor flow. High-traffic sites like the Colosseum (over 7 million visitors annually) face the most stringent measures, though the absence of international tourism may ease pressure. Key rules include: limited entry with timed slots, mandatory masks for visitors and staff, one-way routes, social distancing of at least 1 meter marked by signage, daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces, hand sanitizer dispensers, restricted touch screen and cash use, online ticketing encouraged, and no audioguides initially (or sanitized each use). Staff must follow workplace safety laws (D.Lgs 81/08) and the April 24, 2020 shared protocol, with stable mask supply, health checks after lockdown, smart working where possible, and gradual reopening prioritizing outdoor sites and low-traffic museums (under 100,000 annual visitors). Small museums with appointment-only access can simplify rules while maintaining distancing, masks, and hygiene. Milan has already started a strategic plan as a possible model. Not all museums will be ready by the government's timeline.