Sergio Risaliti on Florence Civic Museums' Phase 2 Closure

Sergio Risaliti, director of Museo Novecento in Florence, explains why the city's civic museums will not reopen on May 18, 2020, despite national enthusiasm for museum reopenings. Mayor Dario Nardella's ultimatum to the government highlights the need for substantial resources for civic and smaller museums, not just major Mibact museums. Risaliti emphasizes museums' fundamental role in cultural growth, education, and social inclusion, arguing against a purely tourism-driven model. He calls for reforms prioritizing contemporary art and supporting minor museums, criticizing Italy's overemphasis on historical preservation. The museum plans to extend Allan Kaprow's exhibition through September, host shows by Elena Mazzi, Emanuele Becheri, Fabio Mauri, and Francesca Banchelli, and launch ARTDIARY, a project collecting quarantine creations. Risaliti hopes for a renewed public desire for art as a transformative experience.