Small museums: the 2026 contribution opens
Through the public notice provided for by the Decree of the Minister of Culture no. 209 of 11 May 2026, the Ministry of Culture is distributing the fund for the operation of small museums (Article 1, paragraph 359, of Law no. 160 of 27 December 2019). For 2026 the fund has an allocation of 534,573.00 euro, distributed in equal parts up to a maximum of 15,000 euro per beneficiary.
Who can take part
The contribution is aimed at small museums (regional, provincial, civic or private) run by public bodies, Third Sector entities and non-profit organisations, with revenue not exceeding 50,000 euro, excluding staff costs. Museums that have not received state contributions or funding in the last three years can take part.
You also need to meet some requirements: have your registered office in Italy; have adopted a statute or set of rules, by public or private deed; guarantee opening to the public for at least 24 hours a week, including Saturday or Sunday, or, for seasonal openings, at least 100 days a year; have carried out, in 2024 and 2025, initiatives aimed at the local community and the territory; have at least one social media page promoting the museum and the territory.
Which projects can be submitted
The application is submitted through a project, which may concern improving the museum's ordinary operation, removing architectural barriers, better enjoyment of the heritage held, compliance with safety rules, strengthening communication and promotion (including with a website) and the digitisation of the heritage, including podcasts and exhibition itineraries for enjoying the works.
How and when to apply
The participation procedures, the deadlines for submitting the application and the allocation criteria will be defined in a specific notice from the Directorate-General for Museums, published on the Ministry's website within 30 days of the registration of the decree by the control bodies. At the end of the procedure, once the requirements have been verified, the fund is distributed by decree of the Director-General for Museums.