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Archaeological Museum, Milan

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Archaeological Museum of Milan

Civico Museo Archeologico di Milano

Location Corso Magenta, 15 - 20123 Milan, Italy Coordinates 45°27′56.23″N 9°10′43.4″E / 45.4656194°N 9.178722°E / 45.4656194; 9.178722 Website comune.milano.it

The Archaeological Museum of Milan (known in Italian as Civico Museo Archeologico di Milano), a testament to layers of human endeavor and eventual decay, is strategically situated within the venerable ex-convent of the Monastero Maggiore. This historical complex stands in quiet dignity alongside the ancient church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, a site steeped in centuries of sacred and secular history. Visitors, if they are so inclined, can find its unassuming entrance on Corso Magenta, a street that has witnessed the relentless march of time and countless footsteps.

The museum’s initial wing, occupying its original premises on Corso Magenta, is primarily dedicated to unraveling the complex and often brutal history of Mediolanum, the ancient predecessor of modern Milan. This significant urban center was first established in the 4th century BC, a period of Celtic flourishing before the inevitable expansion of larger empires. Its fate was irrevocably altered when it was decisively conquered by the formidable ancient Romans in 222 BC, subsequently becoming a crucial hub within their vast dominion. This section meticulously chronicles the city’s development from a Celtic settlement to a thriving Roman metropolis, showcasing artifacts that speak volumes of daily life, political power, and cultural shifts. Descending to the basement floor, one encounters a rather unexpected, yet compelling, diversion: a small but thoughtfully curated section dedicated to the distinctive arts of Gandhara. This collection, a fascinating anomaly in a primarily Greco-Roman setting, offers a glimpse into the syncretic art forms that emerged from the Hellenistic and Buddhist traditions of ancient Gandhara in what is now modern Pakistan and Afghanistan, reminding one that human influence, much like dust, settles in the most unexpected corners of the world.

Connecting this initial historical journey with the museum's more contemporary expansion is the inner cloister, a tranquil space that itself serves as an open-air exhibit. Here, tangible remnants of Roman life, dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD, are visibly embedded in the landscape, alongside two resilient medieval towers that stubbornly pierce the sky, silent witnesses to millennia. This cloister serves as more than just a passage; it is a chronological bridge, seamlessly linking the museum's original structure with its newer, purpose-built annex located on via Nirone. Within this modern extension of the Archaeological Museum of Milan, spread across four distinct floors, are housed further extensive collections. These include a comprehensive section dedicated to the Early Middle Ages, an intriguing Etruscan section that sheds light on one of Italy's most enigmatic ancient civilizations, and a refined Ancient Greek section. Additionally, this newer building accommodates a versatile temporary exhibition room, allowing for dynamic and rotating displays that keep even the most jaded visitor mildly engaged.

Within the robust medieval polygonal tower, which forms an integral part of the inner cloister, a striking contemporary piece finds an unlikely home. Here, a sculpture by the renowned artist Domenico Paladino is prominently displayed. This artwork, a generous donation from the artist, creates a compelling dialogue between disparate eras, fitting with an almost unsettling grace into the ancient, frescoed medieval structure. It's a stark reminder that art, much like history, constantly redefines its own context, whether we like it or not.

It is worth noting, for those who seek the complete narrative of human antiquity, that the museum’s comprehensive collections pertaining to prehistoric and truly ancient Egyptian civilisations are not housed here. Instead, these earlier epochs are displayed with appropriate grandeur at the nearby Castello Sforzesco Museums, a testament to the practicalities of space and thematic organization, or perhaps simply a decision to make you walk further.

Further along the cloisters of the former monastery, one can observe a captivating array of statues and funerary monuments originating from ancient Rome. These artifacts, once markers of identity and grief, now stand exposed to the elements and the curious gaze of visitors, offering a poignant glimpse into the customs and beliefs surrounding death in antiquity. A defined pathway guides visitors from these serene cloisters towards the aforementioned "polygonal tower," a structure dating from the late third century. This tower is not merely a defensive remnant but a canvas, adorned with early medieval frescoes from the thirteenth century, showcasing the continuous artistic and functional evolution of the site. The journey through this layered history culminates as the path emerges into the new museum building on Via Nirone, where, on the first floor, the extensive Early Middle Ages section awaits, ready to challenge any preconceived notions of a 'dark age.'

Gallery

Below is a selection of notable artifacts from the museum's extensive collection, each a silent witness to eras long past, now presented for your scrutiny.

  • Etruscan pear wood head. 7th century BC. A remarkably preserved piece, offering insight into the sophisticated craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the Etruscan people, whose culture predated and heavily influenced the Romans. Its enigmatic expression seems to hold secrets only time understands.
  • The Parabiago Plate. A magnificent example of Roman silversmithing, this large silver dish, dating from the 4th century AD, depicts a scene from the cult of Cybele and Attis. Its intricate details and masterful execution speak volumes of the luxury and religious fervor of the late Roman Empire.
  • Roman funerary stele, 1st century AD. These carved stone slabs, often adorned with portraits and inscriptions, served as enduring memorials for the deceased, offering a tangible connection between the living and the departed in Roman society. A stark reminder of humanity's persistent struggle against oblivion.
  • The Milan cage cup, or "Diatreta Trivulzio". An exquisite example of a diatreta, this delicate glass vessel features an outer 'cage' intricately carved and separated from the inner cup. Its creation demanded extraordinary skill and patience, making it a rare and precious artifact from the Roman period.
  • The inner cloister. A view into the serene heart of the former monastic complex, where Roman foundations meet medieval architecture, and the echoes of centuries seem to linger in the quiet air.
  • Archaeological remains. Various fragments and structures that underscore the continuous occupation and transformation of the site, each piece a puzzle awaiting interpretation.
  • Ancient Greek vase. This ceramic vessel, adorned with mythological scenes or geometric patterns, provides a window into the rich artistic traditions and daily life of Ancient Greece, where pottery was both utilitarian and a canvas for storytelling.
  • Statue of a deity enthroned, 5th century BC. This imposing figure, likely representing a significant divinity, embodies the classical ideals of form and power, reflecting the profound religious beliefs and sculptural prowess of the era.
  • Ancient Greek theatrical masks. These expressive masks, integral to the performances of Ancient Greek theatre, conveyed emotion and character to large audiences, bridging the gap between actor and spectator in a way that still resonates today.
  • Bodhisattva in meditation. From the Gandhara collection, this sculpture represents a being on the path to Buddhahood, embodying compassion and wisdom. Its Hellenistic influences are evident in the drapery and facial features, a remarkable fusion of Eastern and Western artistic styles.
  • Shiva and his mother, 10th century AD, from India. This intricate sculpture, a profound representation of Hindu iconography, highlights the museum's surprising breadth, showcasing the spiritual and artistic depth of ancient Indian civilization. Its presence here is a testament to the vast and often overlooked connections of ancient trade and cultural exchange.
  • Italo-Corinthian helmet, 450-400 BC. A formidable piece of protective gear, this bronze helmet illustrates the military technology and aesthetic preferences of warriors in ancient Italy, influenced by the Greek city of Corinth.
  • Roman tower within the Archaeological Museum. A sturdy remnant of Roman defensive architecture, integrated into the museum complex, standing as a silent sentinel over the passage of time.
  • Section of Roman wall within the Archaeological Museum. A tangible segment of ancient Roman construction, revealing the enduring engineering capabilities of a civilization that shaped much of Europe.