On 14 June, a conference dedicated to a missing late antique goldsmith’s artefact, the so-called “Armor of Theodoric”. It was the first moment of public relevance of the National Museums of Ravenna, new institute with autonomy special created by the will of the Ministry of Culture. The nucleus of independent monuments in Ravenna includes, in addition to the Museum, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, the Arian Baptistery, the Mausoleum and the Palace of Theodoric.
“The day, conceived and organized also thanks to the commitment and professionalism of Serena Ciliani and her colleagues who work passionately on the activities of the Ravenna office” comments director Andrea Sardo, “It was very satisfying. The quality and variety of the interventions combined with the ability of the speakers to transmit their research to a varied audience involved all the participants. I speak in the plural because it was very nice to see the room full of people, not only ‘experts’, but also citizens aware of the importance of heritage or simply curious to know a little more about the history of the city”.
The event, organized on the occasion of European Archeology Days, saw a large audience, with almost one hundred participants between morning and afternoon, from university students from the Ravenna Campus to tourist guides. “An excellent start for me – continues Sardo, who took on the role of director of the National Museums of Ravenna less than a month ago – My role gives me the privilege of being able to share the events we organize with the public and to collect stimuli from them and proposals, knowing that we can count on the collaboration of all communities”.
Compared to the next steps that the newborn museum reality will undertake autonomously, the director explains: “We will give a first sign in response to the needs advanced to us by tourism operators. Although the staff shortage cannot be quickly or easily resolved, we have remodulated the opening times of the assigned cultural places, to guarantee a wider opening of the Mausoleum of Theodoric and the Arian Baptistery in the months of July and August. Furthermore, thanks to the ministerial funds allocated to valorization projects, we will ensure participation in the Mosaico di Notte program, organized by the Municipality of Ravenna, with a rich calendar of extraordinary evening openings”.
Opening hours valid from 1 July to 31 August 2024
MAUSOLEUM OF THEODORIC from Monday to Sunday 8.30am – 7pm
ARIAN BAPTISTRY from Monday to Thursday 9am – 12pm; from Friday to Sunday 9 -12 + 14 -17
PALAZZO DI TEODORICO every Monday 8.30 -13.30; Saturday 5.30pm – 7.30pm
BASILICA OF SANT’APOLLINARE IN CLASSE from Monday to Saturday 8.30am-7pm; Sundays and religious holidays 1.30pm – 7pm
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RAVENNA from Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am – 1.30pm
Special Fridays at the Museum: every Friday in July and August 8.30am – 7.30pm
At the museum day and night: 8.30am – 11.30pm > 28 June; 12 and 26 July; 9 and 23 August
