On August 12, 2026, the new law—published in the Official Gazette—will take effect, governingthe exemption from seizure of foreign works of art and cultural property loaned to Italy for temporary exhibitions. The measure aims to strengthen international cooperation among museums and cultural institutions, offering greater guarantees to the countries and organizations that lend works.
The law stipulates that cultural property belonging to foreign states, public entities, or foreign cultural and scientific institutions may not be subject to judicial seizure while in Italy, in the context of civil proceedings relating to the ownership or possession of the works. Immunity will be granted only after the issuance of a specific guarantee of immunity from seizure, valid exclusively for the period during which the works remain on Italian territory to be exhibited to the public in museums or other cultural institutions.
The guarantee may be granted by the Ministry of Culture, upon request by the institution receiving the loan, exclusively to states or institutions that ensure reciprocal conditions with respect to Italy. The operational procedures for issuing the guarantee will be defined by a decree of the Minister of Culture, to be adopted in consultation with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, within sixty days of the law’s entry into force.
The law further specifies that the new regulations will apply in compliance with international conventions and agreements already in force, including European Union legislation, without introducing any exceptions to the obligations set forth in the treaties. The objective of the law is to promote the international circulation of works of art and cultural assets of significant cultural interest, by offering greater legal protections to foreign lenders and encouraging the organization of international-level exhibitions and shows in Italy. Finally, the law stipulates that its implementation shall not entail new or increased burdens on public finances, entrusting the competent administrations with carrying out the required activities using the human, operational, and financial resources already available.
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| Foreign Works of Art Loaned to Italy for Exhibitions Cannot Be Seized: New Law in Effect as of August 12 |
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