Roberto Fico at the Capodimonte Museum: 'A unique place in Italy and Europe'

Chamber of Deputies President Roberto Fico, in a visit lasting more than two hours, spent the morning in Capodimonte with Director Bellenger, with whom he discussed the master plan developed by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (Mibact) and Invitalia, which encompasses the entire area. The €5 million major project will be the subject of further study by the government and the Chamber of Deputies President himself, who nonetheless emphasizes its value: "It is an extraordinary project that moves toward the future and launches Capodimonte into a future of culture, cultural education, and employment for all citizens, not just Neapolitans." Fico highlighted several of the Master Plan's actions, from digital investments to investments in the historic porcelain factory building, through to improved services and "the idea of ​​the forest as a public resource, accessible to all." He then called Capodimonte "an extraordinary place, unique in Italy and Europe," praising Bellenger's work. "Credit must be given where credit is due," he emphasizes. "Since the new management took over, this place has changed pace. There's a different mentality, with wonderful initiatives of all kinds involving the city." And on the controversy surrounding the appointment of foreign directors, fueled in the past by the Five Star Movement, the president clarifies: "We need to appoint competent people. It's not a question of being Italian or not; the important thing is that the appointments are based on transparency and merit, a concept that has often been lacking in Italy." Bellenger extols the uniqueness of Capodimonte, "a fabulous reality," he says, "unique in Europe, with the largest urban forest in Italy and a historic garden next to an important collection and palace. It's like having the Prado next to the gardens of Versailles." From this perspective, the Masterplan could be crucial, because this heritage "must be exploited, and our project is very detailed, but not utopian."