Rome's MACRO museum relaunches as Macro Asilo with radical open-access policy amid Italy's populist politics

On 30 September 2018, the Municipal Museum for Contemporary Art (MACRO) in Rome was reintroduced as Macro Asilo, under the leadership of Giorgio de Finis. He has initiated an open selection policy for exhibitions that will remain in effect until 31 December 2019. De Finis, who previously directed MAAM since 2011, is known for his curatorial style stemming from a former slaughterhouse that supported immigrant artists. The relaunch drew 6,000 attendees on its first night. This change takes place against the backdrop of Italy's political situation under the Five Star-League coalition, which has enacted anti-immigration measures. Culture minister Luca Bergamo, appointed by mayor Virginia Raggi, selected De Finis. The article draws comparisons to the 1863 Salon des Refusés in Paris, referencing contemporary movements such as #MeToo and #NotSurprised.