Archivio Biblioteca Museo Civico di Altamura

About the museum

The Archivio Biblioteca Museo Civico originated from a proposal by Count Celio Sabini, set out in a letter of 6 September 1946. The idea, approved on 4 November 1948 and formalised by notarial deed on 19 October 1949, was to create a place to preserve the documents and works of art that tell the story of Altamura, and to give the town a library as a cultural point of reference.

The museum's collections derive from an earlier 19th-century museum, while the initial core of the library comes from the old Biblioteca comunale. The holdings include books, documents, archaeological finds and paintings, largely donated by private individuals and by the Municipality of Altamura.

Among the best-known pieces are Frederick II's decree defining the boundaries of the territory of Altamura, a precious reliquary known as the Limoges casket, and 434 16th-century printed books. The institution was recognised as an ente morale (a non-profit legal body) on 6 December 1963 and as a body of local interest by the Puglia Region on 12 June 1985. Since 1954 it has published the historical journal “Altamura”.

Highlights

• Decree of Frederick II on the boundaries of the territory of Altamura
• Limoges casket, a precious reliquary
• 434 16th-century printed books
• Archaeological finds and paintings donated by private individuals and the Municipality
• Archive of works, including drawings and contemporary art

Permanent exhibition

• Museo civico – Archaeological finds, paintings, historical documents and donated works of art, including Frederick II's decree and the Limoges casket.

Founded

1949

Operated by

Ente morale Archivio Biblioteca Museo Civico

Visitors per year

approx. 1,300

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the municipality's listing, the building has no architectural barriers.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.