The Body That Remains: exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia

Period: 29 May – 29 November 2026

The National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia presents the exhibition "The Body That Remains: the prothesis in the Etruscan urn of Civitavecchia and contemporary resonances", focusing on a rare Etruscan masterpiece recently recovered and restored. The exhibition explores the funerary rite of the prothesis and its echoes in contemporary artistic practice.

Highlights

• Etruscan urn from late 6th century BC (Cerveteri): the lid shows the deceased laid on a funerary bed, with rich iconography and a dramatic hunting scene on the lateral frieze.
• Four contemporary works by Massimo Luccioli ("From the Cosmic Ashes") that resonate with themes of memory and loss.
• Exhibition located on the third floor, among 19th-century collections and artifacts recovered by law enforcement.

Recovery, conservation and cultural significance

The urn was returned to the public collection following recovery operations and conservation diagnostics. The exhibition underscores the museum's role in safeguarding heritage and fostering dialogue across historical periods.

Curators, opening and events

Curated by Lara Anniboletti and Alessandro Mandolesi, the show is accompanied by a series of summer talks with scholars and specialists. The inauguration is scheduled for Friday 29 May 2026 at 17:30. The first public event will be on 5 June with the catalogue presentation; further talks by field experts will follow.

Practical information

• Venue: National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia, third floor.
• Opening period: 2026-05-29 to 2026-11-29.
• The museum's refitting, supported in part by the PNRR, aims to expand exhibition space and improve accessibility; full reopening is expected after summer 2026.

This exhibition provides an engaging examination of the prothesis ritual and establishes a contemplative dialogue between ancient funerary practice and contemporary art, suitable for visitors interested in archaeology and museum narratives.