Museums must pivot from conservation to conversation post-COVID, argues Marco Bazzini

Marco Bazzini, an Italian art historian and critic, argues that while the COVID-19 pandemic is not a war, it poses a severe threat to museums. Unlike during WWII, when Italian cultural officials evacuated treasures to the Vatican and Alpine locations, no physical damage to collections is expected. However, the crisis has forced museums to rapidly shift online, often without adequate strategy or specialized staff. Bazzini contends that the future of museums lies in conversation, not just conservation, citing Sir Nicholas Serota's vision of museums as spaces for dialogue and debate. He calls for a permanent commitment to community engagement, where museums serve as experiential hubs for shared values, serving both local citizens and 'provisional citizens' (tourists). The article, published on Artribune, urges museums to embrace this pendulum swing between conservation and conversation with increased rhythm and frequency.