Parteciparte: Children Write Museum Labels at Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia

A project called Parteciparte invited children aged 6–12 to write their own labels for artworks at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence from February 14–28, 2018. Developed by Giovanna Grasso, the initiative aimed to engage young visitors by having them interpret seven selected works through questionnaires available in Italian, English, and Spanish. The chosen pieces, dating from the 13th to 19th centuries, were less famous works like the 'Cassone Adimari' by Lo Scheggia and Michelangelo's unfinished 'Slave called Atlas,' deliberately excluding the iconic David. Children's responses were analyzed for creativity and originality, with the best ones displayed alongside official labels or published on the museum's website. The project fostered active observation, imagination, and critical thinking, turning the museum visit into an educational game (edutainment). It also encouraged family participation, as parents helped children locate artworks and complete the questionnaires. Some challenges included museum fatigue and difficulty finding the selected pieces, which prompted reflection on the museum's layout and visibility of lesser-known works. The low-cost project demonstrated how participatory strategies can enhance cultural accessibility and strengthen the bond between visitors and heritage.