Proceeds from state museum collections used as proceeds for post-earthquake reconstruction
In light of the terrible earthquake that tragically hit central Italy in 2016, causing extensive damage in some areas of Lazio and the Marches, I wanted to report here an important initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, in on the basis of which the proceeds from the visits that the state museums recorded on August 28 were donated to the reconstruction of the centers hit by the earthquake.
In such sad moments, in which high numbers of dead and wounded are recorded in the affected areas, it may seem superficial to speak of reconstruction, but it becomes crucial as a basis for recovering the identity of a community; historic buildings, churches and works of art are the material elements on which people’s experiences are stratified. Cultural heritage is intrinsically connected to the complex fabric of emotions and memories of the people who really feel that heritage, be it a church, a building or a painting: it is the square where we used to meet with all our friends or the church where we you have made your first communion. The feeling of appropriation comes out, in all its ferocity I dare say, when that complex of memories is suddenly stripped of its integrity, raped and in danger of being lost forever.
The Archaeological Museum of Chiusi and the Siena Pinacoteca the sienese museums where to contribute to the reconstruction
Anyone who was in Italy had the opportunity to contribute by visiting the Italian state museums; those of the Pinacoteca of Siena and the National Archaeological Museum of Chiusi.
Located in the historic centre of Siena, the Pinacoteca is one of the most interesting museums in the country; inside is kept one of the most important collections in the world of tables with a gold background. The panels, brought together in the current collection as early as the end of the 18th century by the abbot Giuseppe Ciaccheeri, were created by important masters of Sienese painting such as Duccio di Buoninsegna, the Lorenzetti brothers; Domenico Beccafumi and Rutilio Manetti.
The National Archaeological Museum of Chiusi is another important institution on the national scene, due to the richness and importance of the collections, which well document the settlement history of the Etruscans in the area, also thanks to the conspicuous archaeological finds in the area.
With the museum ticket you also have the opportunity to visit the Pilgrim’s Tomb, one of the tombs excavated in the Chiusi area, which still preserves urns and sarcophagi in situ.
Tomorrow, therefore, do not miss the opportunity to add a visit to a state museum to your travel experience; it will be an opportunity for cultural growth which however is concretely transformed into a contribution to saving a collective wealth from destruction, that of the artistic heritage of Lazio, Umbria and Marche. What can be recovered from the rubble is not only the heritage of the affected centres, but represents everyone’s heritage.
Click here for more information on the Pinacoteca di Siena
For more info on the Chiusi Archaeological Museum click here (from the Chiusi Pro-Loco website) ⟢
