“The New Museology: new opportunities in uncertainty. Towards sustainable development” by Domenico Piraina and Maurizio Vanni

Free entry

Profiling, tailor-made paths, inclusive performance, links with local stakeholders capable of contributing to “sustainable growth”, to enter the daily dimension of citizens: the Museum Social Responsibility (MSR) is the main tool which cultural institutions will have to use equip themselves to face the challenges imposed by the post Covid19. The road show of the book by Domenico Piraina and Maurizio Vanni “The New Museology: new opportunities in uncertainty. Towards sustainable development” stops off in Florence (Celid Edizioni, 2020). The fifth appointment of the cycle – over ten meetings throughout Italy between September and December – is at the Museo Novecento. In dialogue with the authors there will be the director of the museum Sergio Risaliti.

“If we want to put the individual back at the center – says Maurizio Vanni, art historian and museologist, curator of over 600 exhibitions in 30 countries around the world – the conscious choice of ethical and responsible planning aimed at the common good will be a must. Museums therefore become places of public interest that appeal to the whole of society, that is to the general public, but also to the social context (voluntary associations, social and third sector enterprises) and the environment, the educational scenario, stakeholders and trade associations, playing a decisive role in the development of ties, in social cohesion and in the reflection on collective identities in the very aftermath of the pandemic”.

“The real wealth of the Museum – underlines Domenico Piraina, director of the Exhibition and Scientific Museums Polo of the Municipality of Milan and, also in Milan, director of Palazzo Reale – lies not only in its own collections, but above all in the visitors who, bearers of their own personal and cultural experience, enrich the cultural heritage with meaning and sense. Visitors must never be seen as consumers but always as producers of meaning and this contributes to enriching the pluralistic vision of heritage which is the realization of an effective cultural democracy “.

The key is “to bring the museum experience into their everyday life. Regardless of the services (restaurant, cafeteria, bookshop, giftshop, permanent laboratory rooms and lounge areas) very useful for stimulating regular attendance, the cultural proposals supported by theatrical and musical performances work. Each guided tour becomes a small themed show, easily understandable and popular, able to amaze, amaze and excite different generations of the public, soliciting inner well-being, positive energy and good humor in those present. Sharing emotions, the common good and the relational good allows you to connect people with the same lifestyle. Now the museum really belongs to everyone”, concludes Vanni.