MAR – Miniera Argentiera

About the museum

MAR – Miniera Argentiera is considered the first open-air mining museum with augmented reality. It was created to enhance the historical and cultural memory of the former mining village of Argentiera, in north-west Sardinia, bringing tradition and innovation into dialogue through an artistic route that tells the story of the extraction of silver-bearing lead and zinc.

Mining officially began in 1867 and lasted exactly one century. The site is one of the finest examples of mining archaeology in Sardinia and is part of the Parco geominerario storico e ambientale, recognised by UNESCO. The museum was inaugurated in May 2019 at the end of a tour by artists and digital creative professionals who, guests of the village for two weeks, created four paste-up art works with the community, each linked to a digital animation; a fifth installation was created by residents and visitors.

The route runs between the disused plants and the semi-abandoned village, now home to a few families, overlooking a sea with silvery reflections. The project aims to be a “liquid museum” that brings public and private spaces into dialogue and grows over time.

Highlights

• First open-air mining museum with augmented reality
• Disused plants and a mining village by the sea
• Paste-up art works linked to digital animations
• Part of the geomining park recognised by UNESCO
• Free guided tours at weekends

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso in realtà aumentata nel villaggio minerario – Open-air itinerary between the disused plants and the village, with paste-up art works and digital animations in augmented reality.

Founded

2019

Operated by

Progetto MAR (LandWorks) con il Comune di Sassari

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission, with accompaniment by reception staff for groups of up to 10 people.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

The route is outdoors among disused plants. Minors who are not accompanied by an adult are not admitted.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Argentiera is 43 km from Sassari along the SS 291 and SP 18, halfway between Alghero and Stintino.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit