Moving beyond the collective oblivion of the Italian colonial past

Abstract

This study explores the contrasting dynamics between artivists’ efforts to amplify the voice of the Eritrean community in Milan and the Municipality of Milan’s decision to dedicate the Public Gardens and a statue to Indro Montanelli. The monument serves as an exemplary case study, having been at the centre of a series of events that highlight the need to address the complexities of history and the issue of celebration in the urban context. The analysis of the protests against Montanelli’s statue—and its vandalization—illustrates how one of the key functions of both museums and public monuments is their agency in shaping collective memory. Furthermore, the article assesses MUDEC’s effective role as an institutional actor in the public debate on our shared past, noting how the museum has actively engaged the public by incorporating diverse perspectives and collaborating with historically underrepresented groups, such as Milan’s African descendants.