Museo Carlo Zauli in Faenza launches fundraiser after devastating flood

The Museo Carlo Zauli (MCZ) in Faenza, Italy, has launched a GoFundMe campaign after severe flooding on May 18, 2023, caused extensive damage to its collection, exhibition spaces, and facilities. The flood, part of a larger disaster that hit Emilia-Romagna, resulted in 14 deaths, €5 billion in damages, and affected about 100 municipalities. The museum, founded in 2002 by Matteo Zauli and his sisters in honor of their father Carlo Zauli—a renowned sculptor and ceramist—occupies the artist's former studio in the historic city center. The floodwaters destroyed numerous works from the collection and damaged equipment and structures used for exhibitions, events, and workshops, which are central to the museum's programming. Matteo Zauli, the museum director, stated that the damage requires extensive specialized restoration. The fundraiser echoes a broader relief effort organized by the Municipality of Faenza, the International Museum of Ceramics (which was spared), and the Ente Ceramica Faenza to support the hard-hit ceramic art sector.