ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Salò to Open Museum on Fascist Republic of Salò

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

In spring 2023, a new museum focused on the Repubblica Sociale Italiana (RSI), which Benito Mussolini governed from September 1943 until April 1945, will be inaugurated at the Museo civico di Salò (MuSa) by Lake Garda. The exhibition, spanning 220 square meters, is curated by Giuseppe Parlato, Roberto Chiarini, and Elena Pala, and will feature documents, posters, and military artifacts obtained from both state archives and private collectors. A reconstructed air-raid shelter will serve as the sole scenographic display. The ANPI has urged the museum to highlight the RSI's connections with Nazi Germany and the persecution of Jews, which will be incorporated into the exhibits. The municipal council has allocated €235,000 for the project, including €100,000 from the regional government.

Key facts

  • Museum dedicated to the Repubblica Sociale Italiana (RSI) will open in spring 2023.
  • Located on the first floor of the Museo civico di Salò (MuSa) on Lake Garda.
  • Curated by professors Giuseppe Parlato, Roberto Chiarini, and Elena Pala.
  • Exhibition covers 220 square meters with documents, posters, newspapers, military materials.
  • Only scenographic concession is a reconstruction of an air-raid shelter.
  • Total funding of €235,000, with €100,000 from the region.
  • ANPI requested emphasis on RSI's subordination to Nazi Germany and role in Holocaust.
  • Museum aims to avoid nostalgic glorification or moral condemnation.
  • RSI lasted from September 1943 to April 1945 under Benito Mussolini.
  • Museum complements existing MuSa collections: local art, lutherie, and Museo del Nastro Azzurro.

Entities

Artists

  • Benito Mussolini
  • Giuseppe Parlato
  • Roberto Chiarini
  • Elena Pala
  • Renzo De Felice
  • Pavone
  • Franzinelli

Institutions

  • Museo della Repubblica Sociale Italiana
  • Museo civico di Salò (MuSa)
  • Fondazione Renzo De Felice
  • ANPI (Associazione Nazionale Partigiani d'Italia)
  • Regione Lombardia
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Salò
  • Lake Garda
  • Italy
  • Predappio
  • Milano
  • Piazza del Duomo

Sources