Florence
“When a city has become a whore, it is difficult to become a virgin again” – German museum director outrages Italy
Museum director Cecilie Hollberg wanted to address the problem of mass tourism in Florence – that went completely wrong
© Aleandro Biagianti / Imago Images
The German art historian Cecilie Hollberg is director of the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, one of the most famous museums in the world. She has now sparked nationwide outrage with strong words about mass tourism – that could cost her her job.
Museum director Cecilie Hollberg actually wanted to come Florence will only present the annual balance and upcoming projects at a press conference. This is routine and offers the opportunity to highlight your own achievements. But things turned out differently. Hollberg unintentionally triggered a storm of indignation that has now even reached Rome. To understand the national excitement, one must know that Hollberg runs one of the most famous museums in the world: the Galleria dell’Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David.
What happened? At the annual press conference last Monday, Hollberg dared to comment on the subject of mass tourism in the Tuscan metropolis: “Once a city has become a whore, it is difficult for it to become a virgin again. If not now, the absolute one If the brakes are pulled, there is no hope anymore,” she said.
Cecilie Hollberg addresses a major problem for Florence
The German Hollberg was addressing a problem that many European cities and tourist regions are struggling with: “Florence is very beautiful. I would like it to go back to its residents and not be crushed by tourism.” Unfortunately, she said, it was too late for that. The city of Florence, with a population of 380,000, is one of the most visited cities in Italy with more than five million tourists every year. The cost of living is high.
But Hollberg’s actual concern was no longer of interest. She was still trying to catch the wave of indignation. In a statement she said she loved the city and had used the “wrong words”. She told broadcaster Rai: “I have no desire to offend anyone – and especially not the Florentines.” She wanted to make it clear that Florence must practice responsible tourism. But it was of no use. The words were in the world and traveled in circles.
“The outgoing director Hollberg’s statements about our city are simply insane,” said deputy mayor and city councilor for culture Alessia Bettini. That was “the most serious insult you’ve ever heard from a human being,” she said angrily. In Rome people were horrified. The culture minister of the right-wing government, Gennaro Sangiuliano, viewed Hollberg’s words as an insult to the whole of Italy. He announced that he would examine “all appropriate initiatives”. He didn’t say exactly what that meant.
Pressure from all political camps
The pressure on Hollberg comes not only from the national conservative camp, but also from the left-liberal camp. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, whose political career began as mayor of Florence, brought up the possibility of resigning. Finally, the current mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, no longer wanted to remain silent: “Calling Florence a whore is, in my opinion, an insult of unprecedented proportions for the entire city.”
The fact that politicians beyond Florence’s city limits use the inexperienced statements to make a name for themselves has to do with the status that the large Italian museums have. They are an integral part of Italian national identity, and the appointment of director positions has great political significance. Last summer, Culture Minister Sangiuliano made no secret of the fact that there were too many foreigners at the helm of the most important cultural institutions for his taste. Hollberg’s clumsy statements came in handy.
Hollberg cannot therefore be sure that the contract, which expires in the summer, will be extended. She is very successful at this. The museum’s visitor numbers increased from 1.4 million in 2015 to 2.01 million in 2023, a record year. Hollberg modernized the Accademia. The attention is now no longer just on the David, but also on other great works of art.
Sources: DPA,”Corriere Fiorentino“, “World art“, “Southgerman newspaper“.