Uffizi Director Fined for Using Loudspeakers to Warn Tourists About Ticket Scalpers
On May 24, 2016, Eike Schmidt, director of the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, played a recorded message in Italian and English from the museum's loggia to inform tourists about official ticket prices, reservation options, and where to buy legitimate tickets. The goal was to combat ticket scalping and pickpocketing. Two days later, on May 26, a municipal police officer visited Schmidt's office and issued him a €295 fine for violating the highway code by conducting unauthorized audio advertising. Schmidt has announced he will pay the fine without contesting it. The incident highlights bureaucratic absurdity in Italy's cultural heritage sector.
Key facts
- Eike Schmidt, director of the Galleria degli Uffizi, played a recorded message on May 24, 2016.
- The message informed tourists about ticket prices, reservations, and legitimate purchase locations.
- The aim was to curb ticket scalping and pickpocketing.
- On May 26, 2016, municipal police fined Schmidt €295 for unauthorized audio advertising.
- The fine was issued under a highway code article for using loudspeakers without a permit.
- Schmidt stated he will pay the fine without opposition.
- The event occurred in the piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence.
- The story was reported by Massimo Mattioli on Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Eike Schmidt
Institutions
- Galleria degli Uffizi
- Polizia Municipale
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- piazzale degli Uffizi