Macro Asilo: Rome's Experimental Museum Opens with Free Admission and Open Call

Rome's Macro museum relaunches as 'Macro Asilo', a 15-month experimental project from September 30, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Directed by Giorgio de Finis, the museum will offer free entry, no ticket sales, and an open call for artists and curators to submit proposals via email during the first week. The project features 250 artists, 400 screenings, 60 concerts, and a large table by Michelangelo Pistoletto. Cesare Pietroiusti, artist and new president of the Palaexpo board, joins vice-mayor Luca Bergamo, architect Carmelo Baglivo, and commissioner Innocenzo Cipoletta in presenting the initiative. The budget is €400,000, covering salaries and operations. De Finis emphasizes the museum as a 'living organism' to reclaim human interaction lost to digital spaces. The permanent collection will be displayed in a 'great picture gallery' in the former Enel hall. Artists include Buren, Gilardi, Garutti, and writers Bourriaud, Preciado, Weibel. Pietroiusti sees the project as a challenge to redefine the public museum's role against market forces.