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Centrale Montemartini Museum: Where Classical Art and Industrial Archaeology Meet with Livia Galante

Centrale Montemartini Museum: Where Classical Art and Industrial Archaeology Meet with Livia Galante


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

In 1997, a former thermoelectric power plant received new life... as an art museum. This was the birth of the Centrale Montemartini Museum, named after the engineer who designed the building that would serve as the first powerplant opened in the industrial Ostiense neighborhood in 1912. After having provided Rome with electricity through World War II, the factory would eventually become obsolete and entirely abandoned by 1963, falling into a state of total neglect.

Montemartini's rebirth would begin when it was restored, temporarily, to display ancient Greek and Roman sculptures from the Capitoline Museum, which had been undergoing restorations. This exhibition, "The Machines and the Gods," would become so successful that it was made permanent, and thus, the derelict thermoelectric plant became an esteemed museum.

Today, the plant continues to house classical art among the old electrical production machines in perfect harmony. Among the unmissable masterpieces such as the pediment statues of the Temple of Apollo Sosiano, original Greek pieces of the 5th Century BC, the S.C. “Togatus Barberini”, and a great mosaic with hunting scenes dated from the 4th Century AD. Led by an expert on ancient Roman topography and art, Livia Galante, this Conversation will focus on the Centrale Montemartini Museum. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of how many hidden marvels are scattered in the beautiful Eternal City. 

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

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L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Fascinating

Very interesting place - learned a lot!

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
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(0)
L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Fascinating

Very interesting place - learned a lot!