Petition demands reopening of Venice's Civic Museums amid governance crisis
A petition launched by independent magazine Ytali calls on Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro to reverse the decision to keep all Civic Museums closed until April 2021. The closure, decided without national guidance, also halts scientific, conservation, and planning activities, risking loss of Recovery Fund millions. Critic Massimiliano Zane argues the city prioritizes tourism over civic cultural value, noting the Foundation received over €7 million in state relief yet still cites a €7 million shortfall. Zane highlights a September allocation of €6 million to the casino versus €600,000 for museum restorations (€54,545 per museum). The petition demands open discussion and a reformed cultural governance model beyond mere ticketing.
Key facts
- Venice's Civic Museums will remain totally closed until April 2021.
- The closure also blocks scientific, conservation, and planning activities.
- Ytali magazine launched a petition urging mayor Luigi Brugnaro to reopen and promote open discussion.
- The Foundation Musei Civici received over €7 million in state relief for lost ticket revenue.
- The Foundation reports a €7 million shortfall due to the pandemic.
- In September, Venice invested €6 million in its casino and only €600,000 in museum restorations.
- Massimiliano Zane criticizes the lack of a dedicated culture councillor.
- The petition calls for a reformed cultural governance model for Venice.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Zane
Institutions
- Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
- Ytali
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy