Italy’s Maxxi museum faces possible closure

Italy’s Maxxi museum, which opened just two years ago, has been hard hit by the country’s economic problems, which have resulted in widespread cuts in cultural funding. Now the high-profile art museum, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, faces possible closure.

As reported this week in Britain’s the Guardian, the museum faces a 800,000 euros ($1.1 million) hole in its 2011 accounts. Projected losses could reach 11 million euros in the next three years. Italy’s cultural minister has reportedly begun proceedings that could lead to the Maxxi being put under special administration, in effect shutting it down.

A decision is expected to be made within 20 days. The Maxxi, in Rome, is a national museum dedicated to contemporary art, featuring pieces by a number of top artists. Hadid’s design for the building received the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2010.

Earlier this month, the Italian government appointed a commissioner to take control of the foundation that runs the museum, a move that enraged the foundation’s board of directors, according the Art Newspaper.

Italy’s museums have been pummeled by cuts in funding as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis.

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