Own a Museum-Approved Digital Artwork: Italy’s New Funding Model

A new initiative from Italian museums enables patrons to own full-size, certified digital projections of historic artworks, not cheap prints or replicas, but digitized masterpieces displayed in frames matching the original dimensions and style.

Each artwork is limited to just nine editions, each uniquely patented and co-signed with an authenticity certificate from the museum itself. When a collector purchases one, half the revenue flows directly back to the museum, creating a fresh, sustainable funding stream for galleries facing tight budgets.

Prices currently range from €30,000 to €300,000 depending on the work. The program has attracted considerable interest: institutions like the Pinacoteca di Brera have already sold editions, raising tens of thousands of euros, while nearly 250 artworks have been digitized across around ten major museums.

The concept appeals both to collectors wanting art at home and to cultural backers seeking a tangible symbol of support, a piece of art that also represents a commitment to preservation.