(ANSA) - ROME, FEBRUARY 10 - The average decrease in visitors to state museums in 2020 compared to 2019 was 75%. The figure determined a strong and corresponding decrease in collections: from 240 million euros in 2019 to 60 million in 2020.
This was revealed by the Statistical Office of the Ministry for Cultural Heritage (Mibact) to Famiglia Cristiana which dedicates an investigation to the reopening of exhibitions and museums following the passage into the yellow zone of many Regions.
"To overcome this crisis it is necessary that the cultural sites rethink their function, transforming themselves into centers open to the community for multiple activities" explains Massimo Osanna, general manager of the Italian State Museums since September.
Specifically, the data on the collapse of visits in 2020 compared to the previous year, see the Pompeii Archaeological Park record a decline of 85%, the Colosseum of 80%, the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria by 75%, the Egyptian Museum of Turin in 70 %, the Uffizi Galleries of Florence by 70% and the Galleries of the Academy of Venice by 68%.
"Cultural heritage and places of culture must imagine a new 'life' beyond the large tourist flows, often fed by foreigners" said Osanna, former director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii and professor of Archeology.
"Muses must become more and more attractive for those who live in the surrounding area, they must be open places, where you can admire a masterpiece, but also to meet other people or participate in an event" he stresses.
Will the Recovery Plan help?
"These resources will be spent well, both in large centers and in small villages, places of local identity to be preserved at all costs", says Osanna.
(HANDLE).
