More than 1,500 museums, monuments and archaeological sites across Italy will be free to the public from 2-9 April during the eighth annual settimana della cultura. All state museums in Rome will participate, although it will still be necessary to pay for entry to private institutions such as the Vatican Museums and the Museo Doria Pamphilj.

Antonio Martusciello, vice minister for the department of culture and heritage, said the objective of the week was to bring people closer to their historic, artistic and architectural patrimony. The invitation to live the week of culture extends to foreign residents as well, he added. Tourists will also be able to take advantage of the initiative. For more information see www.beniculturali.it.