Milan, March 26 – Following recent controversy surrounding a fitness lesson held at the Braidense Library, a closer look at Milan’s cultural institutions reveals a long-standing practice of renting out prestigious museum spaces for private events. This strategy, aimed at generating revenue, comes with significant price tags, with some venues commanding tens of thousands of Euros for exclusive use.
High Demand for Iconic Locations
The demand for unique event locations within Milan’s rich cultural heritage is high. The city’s municipal catalog, which includes all civic museums and several libraries, details the available spaces and their rental fees. These fees vary depending on whether the activity is cultural or for profit, with different rates for reduced, subsidized, or full concessions.
Among the most sought-after venues are Palazzo Reale, Castello, and Fabbrica del Vapore. For instance, renting the Rocchetta courtyard for a seated dinner for 500 guests costs a private entity 19,632 Euros. The same price applies to the covered Visconti Hall, though it accommodates only 200 people. The Sala delle Otto Colonne at Palazzo Reale also shares this price point.
The Most Exclusive Venues and Their Costs
For those aspiring to host an event in the iconic Sala delle Cariatidi, the cost rises to 25,605 Euros for a maximum of 250 attendees. The equally scenic Sala Fontana at the Museo del Novecento, offering stunning views of Piazza Duomo, is available for the same tariff but for only 90 standing guests. The highest rental fee is for the exhibition hall of the Villa Reale, priced at 40,000 Euros. However, half that amount, 20,000 Euros, is sufficient for the terrace overlooking the park.
The decision to accept or decline an event request ultimately rests with the individual directors of each institution, who are largely described as very strict in their evaluations.
International Precedents and Local Controversy
The practice of monetizing museum spaces is not new and has been adopted by cultural institutions worldwide for at least two decades. For example, the British Museum in London hosts yoga and tai chi evenings in its Asian sculpture hall for 22 pounds per entry. However, in Paris, the Louvre’s Pyramid only saw a ‘Namasté’ greeting during an exceptional event related to the 2024 Olympics, highlighting varying approaches to the use of such revered spaces.
The recent incident at the Braidense Library, where a fitness class was held, sparked considerable debate among readers and even led to a protest note from the Brera trade union representation. Critics raised concerns about the appropriateness of such activities in historical and cultural settings, citing issues like potential damage from liquids and the general atmosphere of a fitness class clashing with the solemnity of a library.
Balancing Revenue and Preservation
Angelo Crespi, director of Brera, defended the practice by explaining that the Ministry sets the prices, and the revenue generated helps fund restorations and maintain the institutions. Similarly, the Diocesan Museum relies on external management to rent out its cloister and archconfraternity hall, carefully evaluating events in collaboration with the director to ensure they align with the museum’s values.
The Fondo Ambiente Italiano (Fai), which manages Villa Necchi and other cultural assets, is known for its rigorous preservation policies. They primarily utilize gardens and opt for chic events such as antique fairs or plant and flower markets, carefully selecting activities that respect the integrity of the historical sites.
While the financial benefits of renting out these spaces are clear, contributing significantly to the upkeep and operational costs of these cultural treasures, the debate continues on how to balance revenue generation with the preservation of their primary cultural and historical functions.
