A museum dedicated to migrants who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean, located on the small Italian island of Lampedusa, is closing due to a management conflict.
Lampedusa's Museum of Trust and Dialogue, which is dedicated to migrants who died trying to cross the Mediterranean, is closing.
The decision to shut down the museum, which was inaugurated seven years ago and has been visited by 75,000 people, was announced last week by the institution that manages it, the October 3 Committee.
The organization's name refers to October 3, 2013, when 368 migrants drowned off Lampedusa.
In 2016, October 3 was named the Italian National Day of Remembrance and Reception.
Shows and museum sites
The museum, which marks the only exhibition space in the world dedicated to shipwreck victims in the Mediterranean, showcases artwork and objects of value to migrants lost at sea, such as drawings by Adal, a teen who spoke about the torture and abuse he endured in Eritrea.
His etchings have been used by the UN as evidence of the African country's regime.
The museum has also hosted a 'refugee room' featuring a multimedia itinerary of images and sounds to help visitors to experience what a crossing is like.
'Unacceptable proposal from new management'
Tareke Brhane, president of the October 3 Committee, said the decision to close was made after conflicts with management.
"New management offered us an expensive convention which we couldn't accept: 10,000 euros a year for only two rooms of about 50 square metres in total, with the obligation of having to reach an agreement on the type of installations," he said.
"I acknowledge the fact that, in spite of the efforts and work done, there was no intention of continuing to have a museum dedicated to migration on Lampedusa," he said.