Back to Culture !

The Italy we know, the Italy we love, this week came one step closer to looking at itself in the mirror and saying : “oh yes, that is me !”

All across Italy, many museums that were closed during lockdown reopened this week.

What a celebration for those who take joy in Italian culture !

I awakened this morning to no less than 19 emails from Florence museums informing me that they were all back to business.

Most of these emails were jubilant, some announced special exhibitions, or revised visiting hours, or new multimedia presentations.

All reminded me of the new protocol : no visitors admitted with a temperature above 37.5 C degrees (99.5 F); visitors’ temperature will be taken at the entrance.

A mask must cover mouth and nose. Visitors must maintain an interpersonal distance of at least 1.80 meters unless with family. Groups cannot exceed 10 people.

Many museums require prebooking which has proved pleasingly easy to obtain.

Italy residents in the last days have luxuriated in museums that they love but avoid for crowd-aversion.

This month, travel between Italian regions became unrestricted and European tourism is now permitted : popular collections and renown archeological sites will gradually be more in demand.

Still, as visitor numbers are restricted for the foreseeable future, this is a dreamy time to be soaking in Italy culture.

Here follow some of our favorite museums. We are are eager to share them all with you.