Offers an insight into the complex workings of Italian museums. The author examines the following: the Italian context-funding, organization, social and political considerations; the origins of collections; state control of museums; the organization of the Ministry of Culture and its inspectorates local government museums; practical problems; museums as professional group-associations both regional and national; the Law 1089 of 1939 and the National Catalogue; local authorities and culture, the example of Venice restoration skills, training and development strategies; and future perspectives for Italian museums.