Mario Epifani on Non-Renewal as Director of Palazzo Reale di Napoli
In November 2024, the Italian Ministry of Culture did not renew the contracts of several directors of major national museums, including Mario Epifani of Palazzo Reale di Napoli. Epifani, who had served since 2020, oversaw a 60% increase in visitors from 270,000 in 2019 to 435,000 in 2023. He had planned a €23 million restoration of the gardens, facade, and historical rooms, as well as a new visual identity and services like a café and bookshop. These projects are now overseen by interim director Paola Ricciardi from November 6, 2024. Epifani has returned to his role as a functionary at the Museo di Capodimonte, where he manages decorative arts and the armory under director Eike Schmidt.
Key facts
- Mario Epifani was not renewed as director of Palazzo Reale di Napoli after his initial 4-year term.
- Visitor numbers rose from 270,000 in 2019 to 435,000 in 2023, a 60% increase.
- A €23 million strategic plan was underway for structural and museum improvements.
- Planned projects included garden restoration, facade repair, and new services.
- Paola Ricciardi was appointed interim director from November 6, 2024.
- Epifani returned to Museo di Capodimonte as a functionary overseeing decorative arts and armory.
- Eike Schmidt is the director of Museo di Capodimonte.
- Other non-renewed directors include Stéphane Verger, Maria Luisa Pacelli, and Annamaria Mauro.
Entities
Artists
- Mario Epifani
- Stéphane Verger
- Maria Luisa Pacelli
- Annamaria Mauro
- Paola Ricciardi
- Eike Schmidt
- Dario Franceschini
Institutions
- Palazzo Reale di Napoli
- Museo Nazionale Romano
- Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
- Musei Nazionali di Matera
- Museo di Capodimonte
- Ministero della Cultura
- Artribune
Locations
- Napoli
- Italy
- Parigi
- Francia
- Bologna
- Matera
- Roma