Maria Battistini

Maria Battistini is a Professor of Museology at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, where she has taught since 2005 and has been responsible for the Historical Archives since 2014. Her expertise spans the historical evolution of museums from medieval collections to contemporary critical institutions, with special emphasis on the transformation of museums' societal roles and their relationship with cultural heritage.

• Graduated in Museography from the University of Bologna (DAMS) under Prof. M. Ferretti and Prof. A. Lugli

Battistini's research focuses on the historical trajectory of collecting practices from medieval churches through Renaissance studioli to Enlightenment museums and contemporary exhibition spaces. She examines how museums function as 'critical institutions' rather than mere conservation spaces, with particular attention to Wunderkammern, cabinets of curiosities, and the decolonization movement in museums. Her current work analyzes cultural restitution through the Sarr-Savoy report, exploring how museum objects' 'biographies' are constructed through display and interpretation.

Professor Battistini has coordinated conservation, exhibition, and workshop activities at the Museo della Figurina in Modena (2006-2013), providing consultancy for museum design. She has collaborated with major cultural institutions including Casa Machiavelli in Casciano Val di Pesa, Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, Galleria Civica in Modena, and Fondazione Magnani Rocca in Traversetolo. Her teaching covers museology across multiple programs including Restoration, Art Education, and Scenography, emphasizing critical analysis of museum practices and contemporary challenges in cultural heritage.