by InTrieste
Italy’s Ministry of Culture has appointed new directors for five of its most significant museums and archaeological sites, concluding a months-long selection process that began in March. All of the incoming leaders are Italian nationals, signaling a change in direction from previous years that saw international figures taking top posts.
Among those stepping aside is Andreina Contessa, a respected art historian who has served for eight years as director of the Museo Storico e il Parco del Castello di Miramare in Trieste. During her tenure, Contessa was credited with revitalizing the 19th-century Habsburg castle and surrounding park, enhancing its international profile and visitor experience through exhibitions, restorations, and expanded public access.
While her successor has not yet been named publicly, Contessa’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Miramare, one of northeastern Italy’s most visited cultural sites. Known for her scholarly approach and emphasis on conservation, Contessa has been a prominent voice in Italy’s museum landscape.
The broader set of appointments follows internal debate within the ministry. In an interview initially published by Corriere della Sera—and later removed but shared by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano on social media—the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the shortlist provided by the expert panel and hinted at reopening the selection process. Despite this, the ministry proceeded with the new appointments.
Simone Quilici, an architect and specialist in heritage conservation, will lead the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome, which includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Domus Aurea. Quilici previously directed the Appian Way Archaeological Park and has overseen numerous restoration projects in the Lazio region.
Francesco Sirano, formerly the director of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, will take over the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN), one of the world’s leading museums of classical antiquity.
Other new appointments include Daniela Porro at the National Roman Museum and Carmelo Malacrino, who will head the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, home to the famed Riace Bronzes.
The new directors are expected to take office in the coming weeks, ushering in a fresh phase of leadership for Italy’s cultural institutions. While the shift toward Italian-only leadership has drawn both praise and scrutiny, the ministry maintains that the appointments reflect a commitment to deepening local expertise and continuity in heritage management.
