The financing of museums: the bank debt. First evidences from the italian context

The aim of the work is to provide early exploratory data on the state of debt financing for museums. The theme is central considering the importance and diversification of the different funding sources of the museums. Starting from a list of the Italian Ministry of Culture, we have analyzed the museums that fall within the Institutes endowed with special autonomy and of significant national interest. The first insights show that, despite common legislation, not all institutions have the data available (only 60%). Them the results show that the management of financial expenses is not present in any museum, while there are positive financial components (especially in museums with higher revenues). The resulting implications are different, affecting academics, practitioners and policymakers, which should pay attention to the issue of financial leverage, considering the need of a innovative financing model for museums.