In January 2019, a Nomisma study commissioned by Fondazione Carisbo examined the economic impact of cultural investment in Italy, focusing on Bologna’s experience with its Genus Bononiae museum network. The research demonstrates that culture functions as a significant economic driver at both national and local levels.
Culture’s Scale in Italy
In 2018, Italy’s cultural sector produced 90 billion euros in added value, representing over 6 percent of national GDP and supporting 1.5 million jobs. Bologna accounted for 7 percent of this national cultural value and 8 percent of cultural employment. The multiplier effect proves substantial: for every euro generated by cultural production, 1.8 euros circulate through connected sectors nationally, rising to 2.2 euros in Bologna’s economy.
Tourism and Visitor Impact
Cultural heritage—museums, libraries, archives, monuments, and artistic events—comprises 18 percent of direct cultural added value at 9.9 billion euros. Tourism shows culture’s powerful draw: 37.5 percent of Italian tourism spending flows from cultural activities, with over one-third of all arrivals in historic-artistic locations. Museum revenues exceeded 172 million euros, reflecting strong visitor engagement. Among tourists and excursionists visiting Bologna, 74 percent cited culture as a primary reason for their visit, rising to 91 percent among Genus Bononiae visitors.
Bologna’s Cultural Network
Bologna ranks among Italy’s top 10 provinces for cultural value creation, contributing 7.1 percent of national cultural added value and 7.6 percent of cultural employment. The Genus Bononiae network, developed under Fondazione Carisbo’s leadership during Fabio Roversi Monaco’s presidency, represents an innovative approach to museum management by operating multiple institutions as a unified system. This model addresses the need to move beyond viewing culture as self-referential, instead positioning it as a generator of social innovation and economic development that strengthens community quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
How does culture contribute to Italy’s economy?
Italy’s cultural sector generated 90 billion euros in added value in 2018, over 6 percent of GDP, supporting 1.5 million jobs. Cultural spending also fuels tourism, accounting for 37.5 percent of Italian tourism expenditure.
What is the multiplier effect of cultural investment?
For every euro produced by cultural activity, 1.8 euros circulate through connected economic sectors nationally, increasing to 2.2 euros specifically in Bologna’s economy.
Why do visitors choose Bologna?
Among tourists and excursionists, 74 percent identified culture as a determining factor in choosing to visit Bologna, rising to 91 percent among visitors to the Genus Bononiae museum network.
