The Traveller's Magazine
Is there anything worse than arriving at a museum in the late afternoon, after a relaxed day only to find out it closes in 40 minutes, making you rush through an exhibition you’ve been waiting to see for weeks? Italy has a solution to those who prefer to plan their museum visits in the evening rather than the morning, they’re open late!
If you’re a frequent traveller who loves exploring museums, the situation described above has happened to you at least once. This year Italy has come up with a solution to this problem, giving culture-seekers a little extra time to enjoy the exhibits and permanent collections.
Each Tuesday until December 28th, Italian museums and cultural destinations will be open from 19:00 until 23:00 in addition to their regular hours of operation. On the last Tuesday of every month these evenings will also be free, a total bargain!
This artistic initiation is sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and goes by the name of Martedi in Arte in hopes of promoting the country’s museums and less trodden cultural destinations. And who doesn’t love saving a little money on their holidays?
When in Rome, enjoy these participating museums:
- Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
- Terme di Diocleziano
- Crypta Balbi
- Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
- Palazzo Altemps
- Pantheon
- Galleria d’Arte Antica
- Palazzo Barberini
- Galleria Borghese
- Museum Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo
To see more participating museums and culture spots, take a look at the Martedi in Arte website.
Is this reason enough to look for some last-minute flights to Rome, or even a trip to Florence?
Img: mtl_shag / flickr cc
