Arts and Museum Management

Through this course, students will come to see museums and galleries not as mere repositories for objects but as dynamic spaces that favor a deeper understanding of the past. After a brief introduction to the social, cultural, and political history of museums, this course will offer an overview of the contemporary theory and practice of museum operations. It will also emphasize the interdisciplinary study of exhibition spaces, and the challenge that museum and gallery managers face in the age of digitalization. Topics covered will include the organizational structure and roles of museum departments, operational issues, budget, leadership and strategic planning, legal and ethical issues, studies on museum audiences, and professional development. Visits to museums, galleries, and cultural non-profit organizations in Florence will provide students with a direct experience of museum management and professional practices. A selection of international museums will be included in the overview to emphasize the differences and similarities with the Italian approach.