Genius Loci in Prato: exhibitions, workshops and talks on the Etruscans

Genius Loci: rediscovering the Etruscans in Prato

Genius Loci is a distributed project by the Rete Musei di Prato focusing on the historical and archaeological roots of Tuscany. Until June, museums across the province host a rich programme of activities — exhibitions, family-friendly workshops, lectures and guided trails — that examine different facets of Etruscan civilization.

Participating museums

• Archaeological Museum of Artimino – expanded section on the princely Tumulo of Montefortini, featuring over eighty restored ivory objects, plus lectures and educational workshops.
• Soffici and 20th-Century Italian Museum (Poggio a Caiano) – contemporary art exhibition inspired by Etruscan themes.
• MuMat – Textile Machinery Museum of Vernio – themed displays on weaving and dyeing in Etruscan times with hands-on activities for families.
• Casa Museo Leonetto Tintori – painting workshops using pigments and techniques akin to those of the Etruscans.
• Italian Museum of Planetary Sciences and Natural Sciences Centre – programmes on astronomy and Etruscan divination practices.
• Museum of the Badia of Vaiano – insights into Etruscan culinary habits and tastes.
• Museum of Deportation and Resistance – discussions on historical interpretations and myths involving the Etruscans.

Selected upcoming events

• From Friday 13 March – Expanded display of Montefortini ivory objects at the Archaeological Museum of Artimino.
• Thursday 2 & Friday 3 April, 8:30–16:00 – "Easter with the Etruscans: the secret of the ivories" (Artimino): adventurous visits, games and creative workshops. Info and bookings: 055 8718124 – [email protected]
• Thursday 9 April, 21:00 – Lecture "In Etruscan homes" with Luigi Donati (University of Florence) at the Artimino educational centre (free entry).
• Friday 10 April, 17:30 – Presentation of the book "The Myth of First Italy" at the Museum of Deportation and Resistance. Info: 0574 461655.
• Saturday 11 April, 15:00 – "At table with the Lucumoni" (Casa Museo Leonetto Tintori): workshop on Etruscan cuisine with tasting; €5, limited places. Bookings: 347 829 3472 – [email protected]
• Sunday 12 April, 15:30 – Children's workshop "What a shape!" at the Archaeological Museum of Artimino. Info and booking: 055 8718124 – [email protected]
• Sunday 12 April, 16:00 – Opening and family workshop "Etruscan Weaves" at MuMat, Vernio. Booking: [email protected]
• Thursday 16 April, 21:00 – Lecture "Lights for men, lights for gods" with Vittorio Mascelli (Vatican Museums) at Artimino (free entry).

Practical information

The programme includes both reservation-required activities and free-admission events subject to availability. For the full calendar and downloadable programmes by museum visit www.retemuseidiprato.it.

For reservations and details, contact the numbers and addresses listed for each event or the hosting museum directly.