Museo dell'ICPAL
Educational museum of the Istituto centrale per la patologia degli archivi e del libro in Rome, on the damage suffered by book collections; exhibition area temporarily closed.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1938 by Alfonso Gallo together with the Istituto di patologia del libro, as a complement to the institute’s research: it was meant to show the wide range of damage that affects book collections. The rooms were expanded in 1939. In 2001 the museum was moved to the basement of the institute, on Via Milano, and reorganised into three thematic sections. In 2016 the premises underwent major structural and conservation restoration work.
The collections include material damaged by termites and bombing, carbonised papyri from Herculaneum, parchment codices damaged by the 1904 fire at the Biblioteca nazionale di Torino, paper samples from India and East Africa, and collections of watermarks, inks, dyes and plant fibres. The route, renewed with multimedia installations, interactive screens and immersive settings, is divided into three sections: the materials of the book, the damage (mechanical, deliberate and accidental) and restoration, with techniques, examples and workshops. The exhibition area is currently closed for maintenance and redisplay work.
Highlights
- Carbonised papyri from Herculaneum
- Codices damaged by the 1904 fire at the Biblioteca nazionale di Torino
- Collections of watermarks, inks, dyes and fibres
- Route on book materials, damage and restoration
- Multimedia installations and educational area
Permanent exhibition
- Il museo dell'ICPAL: materiali, danni, restauro – Route in three sections on book materials, on mechanical, deliberate and accidental damage, and on restoration techniques.
- Founded
- 1938
- Operated by
- Istituto centrale per la patologia degli archivi e del libro (ICPAL)
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | When the exhibition area is open, guided tours, educational visits for schools, workshops, an audio guide and a bookshop are available. |
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