TOURISM
Want to see the Colosseum or Michelangelo’s David for free? You can on Italy’s free museum Sundays.
Published: 5 August 2022 13:42 CEST
Updated: 7 August 2022 07:29 CEST
The Galleria dell’Accademia in central Florence is home to the original 16th century statue of David by Michelangelo Buonarroti. Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP
People across Italy will be able to visit museums for free once again this Sunday, August 7th, under the nationwide Sunday at the Museum or ‘free museum Sundays’ scheme allowing ticketless entry on the first Sunday of every month.
First introduced in 2014, the offer was suspended during the coronavirus pandemic amid concerns about crowding but reinstated in April 2022.
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As tickets for major historical sites and museums in Italy often cost upwards of €15 per person, there are big savings to be made and the free Sundays scheme is understandably popular among both tourists and residents.
The remaining dates for the year are: August 7th, September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th, and December 4th.
Where can I go?
The scheme applies to hundreds of state-run museums, archaeological parks and monuments, including world-famous sites like the Colosseum, Pompeii, Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia, the Reggia di Caserta and Trieste’s Miramare Castle.
The offer does not apply to sites that are run by local authorities rather than the state, though many cities run similar initiatives of their own.
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Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP
How do I book a free ticket?
In many cases you don’t need to and can simply turn up and walk in.
However, some venues such as Rome’s Galleria Borghese require advance booking, so it’s always wise to find the attraction’s website and check the rules before you go.
Are there any Covid restrictions?
Right now the Italian government does not have any health restrictions in place for museums.
The culture ministry recommends visitors wear masks, but this is no longer obligatory.
Individual venues – as well as local authorities – can however set their own requirements, so it’s another thing you may want to check before your visit.
Will museums be overcrowded?
This really depends on where you go. Italy most famous attractions always draw huge crowds in summer – free entrance or otherwise – while lesser-known spots or those outside the major tourist areas may be less chaotic.
But frankly, it’s likely to be busy in most places. The scheme was cancelled in 2019 (and then reinstated after a change of government) due to concerns about long queues and overcrowding – long before anyone had heard of Covid-19.
Some sites capped visitor numbers when the scheme was initially reinstated in spring but it’s unclear how many still do this.
What else should I know?
You can find a full list of the sites included and links to further information for each on the Italian culture ministry’s website here.