2023 was an incredible year for Italian museums, which recorded nearly 58 million visitors and generated over 313 million euros in revenue. A significant achievement, also reached thanks to the strategic efforts by the Ministry of Culture to implement paid entry across many previously free museums, and the successful launch of the Musei Italiani app, designed to enhance the accessibility and management of the cultural heritage system.
According to Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano and Director General Massimo Osanna, this transformation has been pivotal. “Introducing paid entry to our museums has been a small revolution in the Italian cultural sector,” Osanna stated. The revenue increase of 34% compared to 2022 and 71.5 million euros above the pre-pandemic peak of 2019 underscores the success of these initiatives. The Musei Italiani app, introduced on July 3, 2023, has facilitated this growth by offering a streamlined platform for ticket purchases and detailed information on museum collections and accessibility features. Initially rolled out in conjunction with the ticketing system at the Pantheon, the app now includes 406 national museums, with plans to expand this network further. Director General Massimo Osanna emphasized the app’s role in supporting smaller museums: “The app was designed to help museums in difficulty, erroneously considered minor just because they are outside the main tourist routes,” he declared.
Future developments for the app include the addition of audio guides and guided tour functionalities, making it a comprehensive tool for both local and international visitors. Osanna’s vision is to integrate all 4,900 museums within the national museum system into the app, covering state, civic, diocesan, university, and private museums.
And now, let’s take a closer look at Italy’s top ten museums together: admittedly, there aren’t many surprises, with Rome playing a major role, along with famous institutions in Florence, Naples, and Turin. The sheer wealth of art and culture held in these locations, though, is among the clearest reasons we like to call Italy il Belpaese!
1. Parco Archeologico del Colosseo
Leading the list with 12 million visitors, the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, which includes the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, remains the most visited site in Italy. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum was originally capable of holding up to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
2. Pantheon
In second place is the Pantheon, with around 5 million visitors. Notably, 2023 marked the first year of its paid entry system, which is expected to reduce the visitor count slightly in 2024. The Pantheon was built as a temple to all the gods in AD 126 and is known worldwide for its magnificent dome and oculus, which remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Its remarkable state of preservation and its continuous use, first as a pagan temple and later as a Christian church, make it a must-see for visitors to Rome. The introduction of ticketing has helped manage the flow of visitors, ensuring the site’s preservation while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
3. Gallerie degli Uffizi
The Gallerie degli Uffizi in Florence, also attracting 5 million visitors, ranks third. Home to an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art, the Uffizi is home to masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Established in 1581 by Francesco I de’ Medici, the gallery originally served as the offices (uffizi) for Florentine magistrates.
4. Parco Archeologico di Pompei
The Parco Archeologico di Pompei, with over 4 million visitors, holds fourth place. As most of us know, Pompeii was buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Excavations, which began in the 18th century, have revealed well-preserved buildings, frescoes, and artifacts, drawing history enthusiasts from around the world. Recent efforts to restore and protect the site include the innovative use of drones and other technologies for monitoring and preservation.
5. Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Rounding out the top five is the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, with over a million visitors. This museum is famously home to Michelangelo’s David. Established in 1784 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo, the Accademia initially served as a teaching facility for the Academy of Fine Arts students.
6. Castel Sant’Angelo
In sixth place with a significant rise in visitors is Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, now an autonomous museum. Originally constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in AD 139, Castel Sant’Angelo has served various roles over the centuries, including a fortress, papal residence, and prison. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into its multifaceted history through exhibitions of Renaissance art, military artifacts, and papal apartments.
7. Museo Egizio di Torino
The Museo Egizio in Turin, ranked seventh, is the world’s second-largest museum dedicated to Egyptian antiquities, following the Cairo Museum. Founded in 1824, it houses an extensive collection of artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Coptic period. Highlights include the tomb of Kha and Merit, the statue of Ramesses II, and numerous mummies and sarcophagi.
8. National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Eighth on the list is the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, known for its impressive collection of Greco-Roman antiquities. Founded in the late 18th century by King Charles III of Spain, the museum houses artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. The Farnese Collection, one of the museum’s highlights, features works from the Renaissance and ancient Rome.
9. Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums in Rome, ranked ninth, are the oldest public museums in the world, as they were founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of important bronze statues. The museums house a vast array of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and artifacts, as well as Renaissance and Baroque art.
10. Vatican Museums
Although not under the Ministry of Culture, the Vatican Museums round out the top ten. Known for their extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, the Vatican Museums include the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling, and the Raphael Rooms. Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, they include today 54 galleries.
The record-breaking achievements of Italian museums in 2023 highlight the success of key strategic initiatives to enhance accessibility, improve visitor experiences, and generate much-needed revenue. “We are among the most generous in Europe, but we must charge an entry fee to ensure resources for our museums, which offer an irreplaceable experience,” Minister Sangiuliano explained. An important change, which brings Italy on par with other countries, and provides the funds necessary to ensure the country’s rich cultural legacy can be preserved and protected.
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