Artimino: Etruscan ivories on permanent display at the Archaeological

Etruscan ivories now on permanent display at the Archaeological Museum of Artimino

The Francesco Nicosia Archaeological Museum in Artimino has opened a permanent section dedicated to Etruscan ivories recovered from the Comeana necropolis, specifically items linked to the princely tomb of Montefortini.

The collection on view includes around 80 ivory objects — such as figurines, heads, decorative elements and small containers — which were reassembled and conserved after extensive restoration work.

Key facts about the display:

• Origin: grave goods associated with the Montefortini tumulus in the Comeana necropolis.
• Materials: ancient ivory artifacts of varied typology and function.
• Restoration: recomposition from roughly 10,000 fragments; conservation carried out by specialist restorers under the coordination of the regional archaeological authority.
• Funding: restoration financed by the Tuscany Region and the Swiss Confederation.

Museum leadership highlights the collection's ability to convey the opulence of the princely burial goods and the prominence of Montefortini within the Etruscan world. Local authorities also emphasize Carmignano's role as a custodian of the Etruscan heritage for the province of Prato.

Visitor information:

• Location: Francesco Nicosia Archaeological Museum, Piazza San Carlo, Artimino (Carmignano).
• Opening hours: Monday–Friday 9:30–13:30; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9:30–13:30 and 15:00–18:00. Closed on Wednesdays. The museum will be closed on Easter Sunday and May 1.
• Admission: full €4, reduced €2.
• Facilities: audio guides available in Italian, French, English and German.

The permanent installation makes both modest and exceptional ivory works accessible to the public and provides an important educational and cultural resource for the study and appreciation of local Etruscan heritage.