Permanent museum for the Etruscan-Roman bronzes of San Casciano

An agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Tuscany Region, the Municipality of San Casciano dei Bagni and the University for Foreigners of Siena outlines the creation of a permanent museum for the bronzes discovered at Bagno Grande. The target is to open the new museum by the end of 2026, backed by a €4.5 million investment.

Collection highlights

• 24 well-preserved bronze statues;
• around 5,000 coins in gold, silver and bronze;
• more than 300 votive objects and other associated finds;
• a 90 cm bronze serpent, among the largest ever found;
• inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin indicating long-term cultural interaction.

Planned interventions and location

The project is structured around four main pillars:

• continuation of excavations with student and researcher involvement;
• restoration and conservation of finds;
• installation of the museum within the Palazzo dell'Arcipretura, a 16th-century building in San Casciano dei Bagni;
• establishment of an international research hub for universities and institutes.

Funding covers the purchase of the building and exhibition works. Management of the archaeological-thermal complex will be entrusted to a participation foundation formed by the agreement partners to ensure long-term scientific coordination and protection.

Exhibitions and international profile

Portions of the collection have already toured major museums internationally. Current high-profile exhibitions have increased the global recognition of the find and reinforced the museum circuit’s interest in the material.

Frequently asked questions

• When will the museum open? The opening is planned by the end of 2026, as set out in the enhancement agreement.
• Where will the museum be located? In the Palazzo dell'Arcipretura in the historic center of San Casciano dei Bagni.
• Why is the discovery significant? The bronzes are among the most important finds in the ancient Mediterranean, offering direct evidence of Etruscan–Roman interaction.
• Who will manage the site? A participation foundation made up of the agreement’s signatories will manage the complex.

The initiative positions San Casciano dei Bagni as a center for archaeological research and conservation, with expected cultural and tourism benefits locally and internationally.