Archeo-Inganni at the Scuderie Medicee: Contemporary Art in Dialogue

Archeo-Inganni. Echos of the Etruscans and Reflections of Antiquity

Location: Scuderie Medicee, Poggio a Caiano, exhibition hall "Luigi Corsetti" (Museum "Soffici and 20th-century Italy").

Dates: opening on Saturday 18 April 2026 at 17:00; exhibition on view until 31 May 2026.

Overview

"Archeo-Inganni" creates a conversation between contemporary art and the motifs of ancient Etruscan culture: an exhibition designed as a sequence of visual and performative moments, featuring works from Centro Pecci and significant private collections.

• Works and sources: pieces from Centro Pecci (Prato), the Mario Mariotti archive, Carlo Palli’s collection, photographs by Carlo Fei and items from Marco Moretti’s collection.
• Highlights: the sculptural "Warriors" by Giuseppe Spagnulo among columns, large backlit images by Stefano Arienti, photographic reinterpretations of ancient canopic jars, Mario Mariotti’s archaic-inspired vase-like and performative works, and polychrome sculptures by Mimmo Paladino.
• Closing ensemble: postwar Tuscan manufactory objects (amphorae, kyathoi, hydriai, vases, basins and pouring vessels) from the Moretti collection, evoking an archaeological discovery.

Activities and participation

The exhibition aims to be a creative laboratory with theatrical improvisations, musical performances and participatory projects involving local schools and groups. Some activities are available by reservation.

Side events

• 3 May 2026: jazz concert by the "Dialogues Trio" featuring Francesco Zampini (guitar), Cosimo Boni (trumpet) and Marco Benedetti (double bass).
• 23 May 2026 at 18:00: book presentation of Mauro Pratesi’s "Gioia degli etruschi" on the rediscovery and influence of Etruscan culture in early 20th-century Italian art.

Visiting hours and admission

Admission is free. Visiting hours until 31 May 2026:

• Friday: 10:00-13:00 and 14:30-19:00
• Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 14:30-19:00

Residents of Poggio a Caiano have permanent free access; entry to the "Soffici and 20th-century Italy" Museum will be free for all during the inauguration.

Curators

The exhibition is curated by Giovanna Uzzani (Museo Soffici) and Stefano Pezzato (Centro Pecci).

Practical information

The exhibition is hosted at the Scuderie Medicee di Poggio a Caiano and is part of the "Genius Loci. Vitality of the Etruscan spirit" programme promoted by the Rete dei Musei di Prato. For group visits, guided tours or proposals for performances, contact the museum or the Rete dei Musei di Prato to arrange reservations.