Etruscan chest from Villa Giulia restored and shown at Palazzo Dama

Restored Etruscan chest on display at Palazzo Dama

On 19 April 2026 a bronze Etruscan chest from the collections of the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia was presented to the public after a conservation intervention and is temporarily exhibited at Palazzo Dama in Rome. The display is part of the "Arte fuori dal Museo" programme, which brings works conserved in museum reserves into prominent public spaces.

The chest, dated to the 4th–3rd century BC and found in Palestrina, belongs to the Castellani Collection. It is richly decorated with narrative scenes: depictions that exalt male martial virtues and female bathing scenes that evoke matrimonial themes. The piece rests on three animal-paw feet, bears marine creatures on the lid and mythological figures on the handle.

The restoration, supervised by Miriam Lamonaca, Head of Conservation at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, restored stability and readability to a bronze affected by abrasions and fractures, allowing the iconography to be fully appreciated again.

Why visit

• Rare chance: a work usually kept in storage is on view to the public.
• Conservation insight: the restored details highlight techniques and motifs not always visible.
• Cultural outreach: the project links museums and hospitality venues to broaden access to heritage.

Practical information

The public presentation took place on 19 April 2026, beginning at 10:30 at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, followed by the move to Palazzo Dama for the chest's unveiling and a terrace brunch. The exhibition remains on view until 10 June 2026.

• Exhibition period: until 10 June 2026.
• Location: Palazzo Dama, Rome.
• Visitor tip: check opening hours and access rules on Palazzo Dama or Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia official channels before planning your visit.

The programme

"Arte fuori dal Museo" aims to increase public access to works kept in museum storerooms by cooperating with cultural bodies and local partners. The initiative focuses on conservation, visibility and safe presentation in architecturally significant settings.

For guided tours, special openings or related events, consult the organisers' official websites or contact the venues directly.