OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide the theoretical and applicative tools necessary to know the main skills related to the management of activities related to the processes that characterize museums from the perspective of a comprehensive and practical vision of the museum reality also in the light of the most recent legislation and socio-economic context: from the organizational and financial management of exhibition events, to the technical and economic aspects related to collections and physical spaces and, more generally, to the management of the museum and its multiple internal and external services.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides the basis for understanding the structure of the museum as a historical institution living in the contemporary world with its multiple missions. Through the examination of the most recent legislation, including that concerning the organisation and operation of state museums, it will be possible to learn about the numerous functions attributed to museums as institutes and places of culture. The study of the Guideline Act on Technical and Scientific Criteria and Standards for the Operation and Development of Museums (DM 10 May 2001) will also provide knowledge of the minimum requirements, guidelines, operational criteria and procedures in the field of museum activity. The teaching will present the various tools and forms of management of the functional areas, from the Direction to the care and management of the collections, up to the aspect related to services and relations with the public, as well as the management of human resources, conservation and valorisation of the cultural heritage, also with a view to the fundamental relationship between the museum institution and the territory to which it belongs.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching offers a detailed analysis of the various tools for managing the functional areas found in public charter museums (direction, care and management of collections, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, human resource management, services and relations with the public).

At the end of the course of study, the student may have acquired:

1. Appropriate regulatory references related to the management of museum realities (spaces and collections) and specific knowledge of practical tools related to the activity of cultural institutions, from forms of management, to the planning of activities intended for the enhancement of cultural heritage and the organization of internal and external services, with references also to issues such as sustainability, fruition and accessibility.
2. Knowledge of technical, legislative and financial tools useful for planning cultural events related to the activities of museum institutions, including in relation to the relevant territory with consequent spin-offs at the level of promotion and development.
3. Practical and professional skills related to specific museum activities, including collection augmentation, planned conservation, promotion, and communication, including in relation to issues such as cultural offerings and new design approaches that determine specific exhibition and display choices.

PREREQUISITES

No specific background knowledge is expected.

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are held in person. Attendance, although not mandatory, is recommended. Please remember to subscribe to the teaching Aulaweb, which is an indispensable tool for communication and access to useful materials for study and final examination.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course of study is spread over four modules preceded by a methodological introduction (first lecture) useful for defining the objectives and illustrating the plurality of training areas that will be addressed through the analysis of specific tools and strategies, coupled with the fundamental knowledge of normative references:

1. Regulatory area: the Italian legislation concerning the management, conservation and enhancement of public museums will be examined, including through statutes, with necessary reference to other museum realities.
2. Economic-financial area: analysis of the main forms of museum management and economic-financial processes related to museum activities will be addressed, with reference to aspects related to museum budgeting, knowledge of economic and strategic management with references to Fund Raising and tools such as "Art bonus.”
3. Organizational and technical-operational area (museum quality standards): the management and organization of collections, collection augmentation tools, management and enhancement of human resources and museum spaces (indoor and outdoor), study and documentation, sorting and arrangement, public services, exhibition and cultural events will be analyzed.
4. Communication area: communication tools, teaching apparatuses and the use of social networks will be analyzed.

The modules may be supplemented by practical cases and visits to city museum sites.

The program is intended for both attending and nonattending students. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The bibliography is offered to both attending and non-attending students.

The list of texts may be subject to change, so it is advisable to wait until classes start and the lecturers present the syllabus.

• Decreto  Ministeriale 10 maggio  2001 "Atto di indirizzo sui criteri  tecnico-scientifici e sugli standard di funzionamento e  sviluppo dei musei (art. 150 D. Lgs. 112/1998).
• Decreto Ministeriale 21 febbraio 2018 "Adozione dei livelli minimi uniformi di qualità per i musei e i luoghi della cultura di appartenenza pubblica e attivazione del Sistema museale nazionale”
• Decreto Ministeriale 28 marzo 2008 “Linee guida per il superamento delle barriere architettoniche nei luoghi di interesse culturale”
• DG-MUSEI - Circ. 26 del 25 luglio 2018 – “Linee Guida per la redazione del piano di eliminazione delle barriere architettoniche”
• M.V. Marini Clarelli, Il museo nel monto contemporaneo. La teoria e la prassi, Città di Castello 2024.
• M.V. Marini Clarelli, Che cos’è un museo, Città di Castello 2022

Materials projected at lectures will be made available on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GUIDO GANDINO (President)

ELIANA CARRARA

DANIELE SANGUINETI (President Substitute)

PAOLA VALENTI (Substitute)

DANIELA BARBIERI (President)

GIANLUCA ZANELLI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 20, 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be oral.

Students with disabilities or learning disorders.

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are entitled specific adjustments, provided they upload the relevant certifications and documents on the University's dedicated webpage. See http://servizionline.unige.it under rubric 'Students'. The documents will be validated by the relevant office within the University (Settore servizi per l’inclusione degli studenti con disabilità e con DSA dell’Ateneo) (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).

At least 10 days before the exam, students will have to email the instructor, Cc'ing the aforementioned office, as well as the School's deputy for matters concerning students with disabilities and learning disorders (elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it). Please specify the following in your email:

- name, surname, student number
- course name and number
- date of your exam
- adjustments required

Once the School's representative confirms your eligibility, you will liaise with your instructor to finalize the details. The final decision on what adjustments are acceptable rests with your instructor.

Please note that any request must be sent at least 10 days before your exam, to successfully complete the process in time. Please also note that the mind maps to be used on the day of your exam have to be significantly more concise than those you use when you study.

For further information, please see:
https://unige.it/sites/unige.it/files/2024-05/Linee%20guida%20per%20la%20richiesta%20di%20servizi%2C%20di%20strumenti%20compensativi%20e_o%20di%20misure%20dispensative%20e%20di%20ausili%20specifici%20Maggio%202024.pdf

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment of learning will be in oral form for each section of the course of study. 

Exam schedule