Reopening of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Fondi

On Saturday, March 21, the Civic Archaeological Museum of Fondi, housed within the Caetani Castle, will reopen to the public following a major redevelopment project that has profoundly transformed its exhibition layout and curatorial concept.

The reopening marks not only the return of an important cultural space to the community, but also the beginning of a new visitor experience—more inclusive, accessible, and aligned with contemporary standards.

The project was made possible thanks to a regional funding of €160,000, complemented by a municipal contribution of €40,000. The intervention involved a complete rethinking of the museum experience: from exhibition design and spatial organization to the introduction of new technologies, alongside in-depth historical and archaeological research.

A key feature of the new layout is the reunification of significant artifacts—such as sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural elements—previously displayed in unsuitable contexts, now brought together in a single, coherent, and scientifically updated narrative path.

The Mayor of Fondi, Beniamino Maschietto, stated: “The reopening of the Museum represents an important milestone. Bringing together artworks of extraordinary value in a single space is a significant achievement for the city and its cultural heritage.”

Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Vincenzo Carnevale, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: “This is a wide-ranging intervention involving multiple sectors and professional expertise. A crucial role was played by the regional call ‘Luoghi della cultura del Lazio’. A further multimedia upgrade, funded by the Ministry, will be completed soon.”

The new exhibition path, designed by Museum Director Maria Cristina Recco, is part of a broader strategy to enhance the local heritage, also in light of the recent recognition of the Via Appia as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The renewed display begins with the bust of Augustus, which serves as the conceptual starting point for the entire exhibition.

To celebrate the reopening, a special event titled “Same Museum… a whole new story” will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM, with the participation of Superintendent Alessandro Betori.

Today, the Museum presents itself as a renewed cultural space, capable of combining scientific rigor, innovation, and accessibility, offering visitors an updated interpretation of the history of Fondi and its territory.