The fourth consecutive A Night at the Museum took place on October 26, with the main state-owned museums open from 8 pm to midnight.
Since its inception, more than 70,000 visitors have taken the opportunity for some late-night art appreciation.
Highlights of this year’s A Night at the Museum include a classical music concert at Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera, with pieces performed by talented young pianist Francesco Granata; a focus on contemporary visual art at Rome’s National Gallery of Modern Art, featuring Stanley Kubrick’s cinematography; and an improvised theatrical performance at Castello di Copertino, near Lecce.
In addition, this year, the Italian Ministry for Tourism and Cultural Heritage and Activities invites participation in safeguarding Italy’s cultural heritage. Until November 15, visitors to the ministry’s website L’Arte Aiuta l’Arte (Art helps art) can cast a vote for one among eight works of art to be restored. (See www.valorizzazione.beniculturali.it/arteaiutaarte.)
The artworks, which are located in museums in Florence, Naples, Rome and Venice, include a Roman equestrian sculpture in the Uffizi Gallery and an important 13th-century Florentine crucifix, housed in the Accademia Gallery.
The restoration will be financed by the General Directorate for Promotion, with funds from entrance fees collected in previous years’ A Night at the Museum.
