Located in the heart of Nepi, the Civic Museum stands as a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of the area. Originally conceived in the 1980s and officially inaugurated in its current form in 2014, the museum not only preserves significant artifacts but also serves as a center for intense scientific and educational activity.
The History of the Civic Museum of Nepi
The history of the Civic Museum of Nepi is a fascinating story of dedication and commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage. It all began in the 1980s when, at the initiative of the local branch of Archeoclub and with the support of the municipal administration, a storage facility for cultural goods was created. This first step aimed to protect the region’s archaeological materials from potential loss or theft.
During the 1990s, the museum began to take a more defined shape. In 1992, the Archaeological Superintendency for Southern Etruria and the Municipality of Nepi collaborated to create the exhibition “The Necropolises of Nepi.” After the exhibition ended, some artifacts were returned to state storage, but others remained and contributed to the creation of the first display of the Civic Museum, which opened to the public in the Noble Hall of the Town Hall in June 1995. The exhibition was temporarily relocated in 1998 to the basement of the building, an opportunity used for a review and enrichment of the display with restored ceramic artifacts and stone materials recovered from the Borgia Fortress.
The peak of this evolutionary process occurred in 2003, with the development of a new scientific exhibition project. The collaboration between the museum’s management and the Archaeological Superintendency led to the redevelopment of large spaces within the historic building near the Town Hall. With the support of the Lazio Region and the Province of Viterbo, and after an intensive reorganization phase and the return of important artifacts from the necropolises and the Catacomb of Santa Savinilla, the new museum location was inaugurated in the spring of 2014. Today, the Civic Museum of Nepi is not only a guardian of antiquities but also an active center for culture and learning, continuing to tell the story of Nepi through the centuries.
A Museum that Promotes Knowledge
The Civic Museum of Nepi is actively involved in the research and enhancement of its heritage. Research efforts are reflected in publications in the journal Quaderni del Museo Civico di Nepi and participation in scientific conferences, significantly contributing to the historical and archaeological understanding of the region. In collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the Archaeological Superintendency for Southern Etruria and the University of Tuscia, the museum plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage through restoration projects and in-depth studies
Education and Training
The Civic Museum of Nepi is not just a custodian of antiquities; it is also a passionate promoter of cultural education. Through a rich educational program aimed at schools of all levels, the museum is dedicated to teaching new generations about the knowledge and respect of historical and archaeological heritage. The educational activities, ranging from observation tours to hands-on workshops, take place from November to May, making the museum a vibrant and interactive learning space.
A Guided Journey Through the History of Nepi
The guided tours of the Civic Museum offer a unique understanding of Nepi’s history, from the pre-Roman era to the Renaissance. Visitors can explore not only the interior spaces of the museum but also outdoor routes that include iconic locations such as the Borgia Fortress and the Catacomb of Santa Savinilla. Thematic pathways such as “Nepi in the Time of the Borgias” and “The Nepi of the Farnese” provide a deeper understanding of local history, enriching the museum experience with a vibrant and captivating historical context, directly connecting visitors with Nepi’s illustrious past.
Special Events and Conferences
The Civic Museum is also distinguished by its organization of special events and conferences that delve into historical and cultural themes, such as the conference “Augustus. City and Territory, Power and Images: The Example of Latium and Southern Etruria,” which offered new historical interpretations through dialogue between academics and specialists. These events provide valuable opportunities for the sharing of knowledge and for strengthening the local and international scientific and cultural community.
The Promotion of Science and Culture
The Civic Museum of Nepi’s commitment to promoting culture through science is also reflected in its work of restoration and study of important artifacts, such as Roman marble pieces, which continues in collaboration with the DIBAF of the University of Tuscia (Unitus). These activities not only preserve the heritage but also offer new opportunities for research and discoveries.
An Invitation to Discover
The Civic Museum of Nepi is deeply rooted in its mission, defined according to ICOM standards, which places the institution at the service of society with the goal of acquiring, preserving, communicating, and displaying the testimonies of civilization for study, education, and enjoyment.
Every activity of the museum is a concrete commitment aimed at promoting and enhancing the cultural heritage of Nepi and its surrounding area, transforming the museum into a living center of culture and learning. Residents and tourists are invited to discover the cultural riches of Nepi through a rich and diverse program, making the museum an active participant in the cultural life of the city. This place is not only a guardian of antiquities but a true bridge between the past and the present, where history, culture, and science intertwine in a continuous and fascinating dialogue.
We invite everyone to actively participate in the cultural and educational life of the museum, coming to explore, learn, and be inspired by this magnificent heritage of Nepi, where each visit becomes a new and unforgettable adventure through time. Come explore, learn, and be inspired by the Civic Museum of Nepi, where the past meets the present in a continuous and captivating dialogue.
Opening
Winter Hours (from October 1st to May 31st):
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Summer Hours (from June 1st to September 30th):
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Free entry
Location
Via Falisca n. 31, Nepi (VT)
