Sgarbi Defends Heritage Policies in Artribune Rebuttal

Vittorio Sgarbi, Italy's undersecretary for culture, responded to an editorial by Massimiliano Tonelli on Artribune, clarifying his roles overseeing state archaeological parks, contemporary art and architecture, and cultural heritage security. He defended his positions on the Stadio Meazza in Milan, arguing its preservation is based on civic value under Article 10 of the Cultural Heritage Code. Regarding the Museo del 900, Sgarbi supported a subterranean passage solution proposed by former superintendent Antonella Ranaldi, pending evaluation by the next superintendent. He proposed a contemporary art museum in the Expo area. On Florence, he criticized a modern loggia exit from the Uffizi as an intrusion, advocating for a cost-effective solution agreed upon by the Uffizi director and superintendent. For landscape protection, Sgarbi endorsed solar thermal and photovoltaic systems on industrial rooftops and degraded areas, opposing wind energy. He emphasized investing PNRR funds in hydroelectric power from existing dams, citing ISPRA's potential of 70-92 GW from urban surfaces. Tonelli countered that Sgarbi's defensive stance hinders necessary modernization, quoting President Sergio Mattarella's 2022 New Year's speech on embracing change.