Together or not? Spill-over effects of cultural goods displacement

Abstract

The features of some cultural goods allow them to be exhibited in a unified form in one location or separated for display in two or more locations. The aim of the present article is to understand whether the decision to expose a cultural good in two different cities instead of the same location could generate benefits for both. To do so, the case of the Giants of Mont’e Prama is analysed. This recognised heritage complex of archaeological stone statues was found in Sardinia (Italy) in 1974 and first displayed in 2014. Since 2014, interest in these statues has increased among both residents and tourists. Moreover, the location of the exhibition was the subject of a strong discussion among historians and politicians. Historians preferred to display all the statues together in Cabras, where they were found. However, politicians and other authorities decided to divide the statues between Cabras and Cagliari, the regional capital, thus separating the collection into two exhibitions. This analysis is carried out to capture potential spill-over effects in visitors’ behaviour and identify which exposition causes visits to the other. The results indicated that the exposition system is a win–win solution, and the negative effect of overtourism is not observed.