Collezioni di Archeologia e d'Arte
Archaeological collections of the University of Siena at Via Roma 56, with finds from prehistoric, Roman and medieval excavations; currently under renovation.
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About the museum
The Collezioni di Archeologia e d’Arte are part of the Sistema museale universitario senese (SIMUS) and are managed by the Dipartimento di Scienze storiche e dei beni culturali of the University of Siena. They are housed in the university complex of San Niccolò, in the Funaioli Mazzi building at Via Roma 56, and grew out of more than thirty years of field research and teaching.
The material includes thousands of finds from excavations, surveys and teaching collections: stone, ceramics, metal, glass, coins, frescoes and faunal, palaeontological and anthropological remains. The prehistoric section brings together replicas of skulls of anthropoid apes and of Homo, stone tools from the Lower Palaeolithic to the metal ages, and pottery from prehistory to the Renaissance. For classical archaeology there are Roman finds from sites such as Settefinestre, Populonia, Bomarzo and Thamusida; for medieval archaeology, ceramics from the castles of Scarlino, Montarrenti, Poggibonsi and Miranduolo, glass and metals, paper documents of the 14th century from the Santa Maria della Scala hospital, and archaeozoological and archaeobotanical collections.
The collections are used mainly for teaching and research, but are also open to visitors who request access. Work is currently under way to reorganise and restore the building, and the archaeological collections are not visible. Part of the Gipsoteca Consorti is temporarily on display at the Palazzo di San Galgano.
Highlights
- Finds from the sites of Settefinestre, Populonia, Bomarzo and Thamusida
- Medieval ceramics from the castles of Scarlino, Montarrenti, Poggibonsi and Miranduolo
- Stone tools from the Palaeolithic to the metal ages
- Replicas of skulls of anthropoid apes and Homo, archaeozoological collections
- Operated by
- Università degli Studi di Siena – Sistema museale universitario senese (SIMUS)
- Director
- Andrea Zifferero
- Visitors per year
- approx. 552
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission according to the SIMUS website.
Accessibility
The collections are closed for renovation and reorganisation; the reopening date has not been announced.
Kids & families
The collections are closed for renovation and reorganisation; the reopening date has not been announced.
Getting there & parking
The collections are closed for renovation and reorganisation; the reopening date has not been announced.
Amenities & dining
The collections are closed for renovation and reorganisation; the reopening date has not been announced.
Events & venue rental
The collections are closed for renovation and reorganisation; the reopening date has not been announced.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and educational activities for schools are offered; the Gipsoteca Consorti on display at the Palazzo di San Galgano can be visited by appointment. |
