Musei e mecenatismo culturale in prospettiva comparatistica

The paper investigates the relationship between cultural patronage and museums, comparing the experiences of the United States and Italy. After briefly outlining the differences between the museum systems in the two countries, it analyses the reasons behind the success of cultural patronage in the United States. The article then focuses on Italy, highlighting recent reforms that have impacted both museums and charitable donations to culture, with the aim of enhancing the involvement of private individuals in financing museum institutions. In the final part, the paper observes that, despite significant legislative initiatives over the last decade, notable disparities in the propensity of individuals to make charitable donations remain relevant.