Vicenza backs the Roman Theatre of Berga: Archaeological Museum competes for €40,000

The Naturalistic Archaeological Museum of Vicenza has proposed a new exhibition dedicated to the Roman Theatre of Berga. Presented at Palazzo Balbi, the initiative competes in the 2026 edition of #Volotea4Veneto, a contest run with Gruppo SAVE and the Veneto Region to support local cultural projects.

The proposal, titled "Vicenza, city of theatres. Rediscovering the Roman Theatre of Berga", aims to showcase statues, decorative elements and the historical narrative of the ancient monument, now gone but central to Vicenza's urban history.

• Planned actions: sculpture restorations, 3D reconstructions, new graphic displays and digital storytelling;
• renewal of the museum layout and lighting designed to recreate the theatrical effect;
• educational activities and improved visitor engagement for schools and the public.

Voting for the competition is open online: supporters can cast their vote on the contest website. Votes are accepted from May 8 to June 10, 2026; the winning project will receive a €40,000 grant. Notable items in the museum collection include portraits and marble statues from the Julio-Claudian dynasty, such as a portrait of Augustus and sculptures possibly depicting Agrippina the Younger.

The presentation included representatives from the Municipality of Vicenza, the Civic Museums, the Veneto Region, Volotea and Gruppo SAVE. The stated aim is to turn the memory of the Theatre of Berga into a contemporary exhibition that reinforces the city's historical identity and enhances the cultural offer for residents and visitors.