Abstract

Museums of contemporary arts, 361 according to the last census survey held in 2012, represent about 8% of the entire Italian museum universe. About 75% are concentrated in the North and Centre of the country. Those based in the South and Islands are for the most part small, recording less than 100 entrances per day. In a large majority of cases, Italian contemporary arts museums have been established during the last 20 years. In 2011, they attracted nearly 5 million visitors. The first 5 institutes totaled alone over 1,5 million visits. Compared with the average data on the public of Italian museums as a whole, museums of contemporary arts show two major differences: first, a higher rate of young people, second a lower rate of foreign visitors. They boast a better relationship with young adults and the domestic audience. 60% of the contemporary arts museums (10 points more than the Italian average) own a Website and those offering free Wi-Fi connection to their visitors are twice the average rate.