Storm over Cecilie Hollberg: Florence became a whore. Then the apology

Harsh words from the director of the Florence Academy Gallery, Cecilie Hollberg, about the city on the sidelines of a press conference at which the museum’s achievements over the past year were presented. “Once a city has become a whore,” she said, “it will be impossible to make it a virgin again, and if the absolute brake is not put on it now, I see no hope.” The reference is to the tourist pressure that has long been pushing on the city. “Florence,” the director said in fact, “is very beautiful and I would like it to return to the citizens and not be crushed by tourism. We no longer find a store, a normal store but only things exclusively for tourists with gadgets and souvenirs and this should be curbed.”

Hollberg’s words sparked bipartisan outrage, starting with Mayor Dario Nardella: “To call Florence a whore I think is an offense of unprecedented gravity toward all Florentines. Florence employs thousands of people, including Director Hollberg. I think it takes respect for the history of our city and our community.” He was echoed by Deputy Mayor Alessia Bettini, who deemed the director’s remarks “delusional.” “To call Florence a prostitute is the most serious offense ever heard from a person, who moreover holds such a relevant institutional role. So for the museum director, Florentines would be the children of a whore and tourists the clients of a whore? Hollberg offends the history of Florence, where she has worked, she offends the work of thousands of people and above all she offends the Florentines, precisely she who as a non-Florentine owes Florence so much.” Former mayor Matteo Renzi also thunders: “I will submit to Minister Sangiuliano a question on the shameful phrases of the director of the Accademia Gallery, Cecilie Hollberg. Calling Florence a whore is unacceptable. Hollberg must apologize or resign.” And Sangiuliano himself was not slow to express himself: “I consider the words of the director of the Galleria dell`Accademia, Cecilie Hollberg about Florence serious and offensive. Florence is a wonderful city that represents a relevant part of our national identity and history. To offend her is to strike at the whole of Italy and our feelings. Director Hollberg, appointed by my predecessor, represents the state and Italian heritage and cannot use this language. I will consider, in the light of current regulations, all appropriate initiatives.”

Then came the director’s apology: “I am sorry to have used the wrong words, far be it from me to offend anyone much less the Florentines who, like me, live this city on a daily basis. A city that I love, that has returned all my affection and that is now my home. What I meant to say is that Florence must be a witness for all of Italy of an increasingly conscious tourism, not hit and run. We with the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence have tried to concentrate all our energies, as told also this morning in the press conference in making the museum become everyone’s and enhancing every extraordinary part of it, not stopping to visit only to admire the David but all its masterpieces.” Will an apology be enough to calm tempers?

Storm over Cecilie Hollberg: Florence became a whore. Then the apology

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