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Comics Museum Shutting Down: A Battle Against Bureaucracy
Here's the scoop on WOW Spazio Fumetto, Milan's beloved Museum of Comics, located at Via Campania 12. After 14 thrilling years, the city hasn't renewed the lease for the former Motta factory the Museum revitalized in 2011.
The Franco Fossati Foundation, who manage the Museum, announced the unfortunate demise of the comics museum in Milan on their official channels. Despite a petition, a fundraising campaign, and hard work to stay put, the Municipality of Milan communicated the definite evacuation of the premises by June 15th, with the subsequent cessation of all activities.
Italian animation's king, Bruno Bozzetto, Italian comic professionals Lola Airaghi, Pasquale Frisenda, Luca Enoch, Mario Gomboli, Alberto Silver, Enzo Lunari, and Disney enthusiast Enrico Faccini, were amongst the guests who gathered on the closing day, June 15th, not out of sorrow but to celebrate the rich comic culture and resilience of the Museum.
Fans, families, and comic enthusiasts filled the Museum, some even creating a mural against the Milan administration, symbolically voicing their discontent. The event was more than just a farewell, it was a stand against bureaucracy and the indifference towards culture.
Luigi F. Bona, WOW's director, acknowledged the press' support and the enthusiasm of comic enthusiasts. He expressed hope for the Museum to find another home and fulfill its obligations to supporters.
The Museum, first and foremost, was a sanctuary for comics lovers and a vital connection to comic history. Throughout the years, the Museum paved the way for Milanese and Italian comics, showcasing more than 200 exhibitions in the city and abroad, earning acclaim from critics.
The Museum played a crucial role in the local community, engaging with residents, and providing a platform for young and established artists. Designer Lola Airaghi was disheartened by the lack of industry support and called for cooperation from publishers and comic creators.
Amidst the sadness, the event was filled with poignant memories, particularly those shared by young comic fans who grew up with the Museum. They displayed an unwavering resilience, symbolized by a girl helping Charlie Brown, as if defending the Museum was defending her favorite comic character.
Bona's heart swelled with the sight of young comic fans learning and growing at the Museum, symbolizing the Museum's promise to stay vibrant and the spirit of comics to live on. But for now, the future of WOW Spazio Fumetto hangs in the balance, as the comic community waits for an agreement with local authorities or a potential new home.
[Enrichment Data: The closure of WOW Spazio Fumetto is set for June 15, 2025, but the exact reasons are not explicitly clarified in the available information. However, there were reports suggesting a financial dispute or disagreement with local authorities might be contributing factors.[5] The museum's last exhibition, "La grande stanza dei giochi," ended on June 15, 2025, which aligns with the closure date, implying that the museum's closure was imminent during that period. More specific details require official information from the museum or local authorities.]
In the face of the Museum's closing, there has been a call to action from comic enthusiasts, appealing to publishers and creators to support the revival of the comic industry. The WOW Spazio Fumetto, once a thriving hub for comic books and pop-culture, is now lacking a place to call home after its eviction, leaving many to question the future of this essential institution in the entertainment world. Meanwhile, as the disheartening demise of the comics museum unfolds, editorial discussions about the importance of preserving cultural centers and nurturing young talents in the book industry continue to surface in various media outlets.
