Stefano Zecchi appointed president of MUSE science museum in Trento

Stefano Zecchi, a philosopher and former president of the Accademia di Brera, has been named the new president of MUSE – Museo delle Scienze in Trento, as announced by the Autonomous Province of Trento. The appointment follows the 2018 provincial elections and mirrors the earlier nomination of Vittorio Sgarbi as president of Mart. Zecchi, born in 1945, is a philosopher, journalist, and opinionist who previously served as president of the Accademia di Brera, on the board of the Piccolo Teatro di Milano, as a representative of the Ministry of Education at UNESCO for intangible heritage, and on the board of MAXXI. Since 2016, he has directed the Istituto Internazionale di Scienza della Bellezza (I.I.S.B.E.) in Milan. He will serve without compensation, as Sgarbi does. The appointment has sparked controversy due to Zecchi's past curatorial work: he curated the Luxus exhibition for the Venice Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale, which was widely criticized as kitschy and out of place. Critics question his suitability for a museum dedicated to scientific innovation. MUSE, designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 2013, features interactive environments, themed halls, installations, and an educational center across five floors plus a basement. Provincial president Maurizio Fugatti and the culture councillor expressed confidence that Zecchi's qualities will support the museum's mission of combining scientific rigor with engaging proposals.