I'm a university student who's currently studying abroad in Paris for the spring. I have student IDs from both my home university that states that I am an art history student, as well as a student ID from a French national university that makes me an official EU student. Here in Paris I've managed to get into all of the state-funded art museums free by showing either card. I'm wondering if this also applies to the national museums in Italy, especially the most popular ones in Florence, Venice, and Rome. Here are my questions:
1. Am I entitled to free admission? If so, are reservations still necessary to skip the line? I'm having a great deal of trouble interpreting this passage: teachers and students enrolled in the faculties of architecture, cultural heritage conservation and educational sciences, or on degree courses in literature or literary subjects with an archaeological or historic-artistic specialisation in the faculties of literature and philosophy, in corresponding faculties or courses set up in the Member States of the European Union students must display a valid the certificate of enrolment for the current academic year, in Italian, or in English for foreign students) Does my status satisfy that description? 2. What kind of document do EU citizens between 18-25 typically show? Would the student ID suffice? I'm hoping that if I can't get free admission, maybe I could get by with the reduced fees, since my Paris university ID lists my birthday. I understand option 2 is pretty shady, but as a college student I'm just trying to stretch my (shrinking American) dollar as much as possible! Of course, my biggest concern is saving time though, since I will only have 6 days in Italy. Thank you!
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
In the Italian museums I've seen admission prices are independent from reservations. So even if you can get in for free reservations need to be made and paid for. E.g. our kids got into the Uffizi in Florence for free but we paid 4 Euro reservation fee for each. If European students travel to another country they usually get an international student I.D. as their national one is usually not in the language spoken at the destination. And that's the main I.D. they show to get into any attractions at reduced/free rates.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Sarah I can only give you an example from my son who was a student in Rome on his study abroad program. His girlfriend was an Art History major also on study abroad. Neither of them were able to use their student IDs either US or Rome school to get into Italy museums for free. Florence, especially, was a very expensive city for them because of the museum admissions. My understanding is you need to be a EU citizen to get in free or reduced admission. A friend who works for the Art Institute in Chicago was able to either use her work ID or get an International Museum ID of some kind to get museum admission for free in Italy. The rules have not changed in the 5 years since he has returned, to my knowledge. So sorry. Bobbie
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
It never hurts to ask. Different museums will have different policies, even in France. But I think the policy you are working with in France is a French thing that probably isn't applicable to Italy. Maybe you can at least get a discount. The French ID is probably more useful than an American one.