€5M Restoration and Reinstallation for Marche Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of the Marche (MAN Marche) in Ancona is undergoing a €5 million, four-year radical restoration and reinstallation. The project, led by director Diego Voltolini, aims to restore the original charm of the 16th-century Palazzo Ferretti, improve seismic safety, and reconfigure the visitor experience. The first major intervention is the restoration of the monumental staircase designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in the mid-18th century. The museum, which houses around 190,000 artifacts (only 10,000 currently on display), will see work on chromatic interventions, structural safety, new lighting, and reinstallation of 3,500 square meters of exhibition space across three floors. Work is already underway on the staircase, seismic design, temporary exhibition spaces, a new ticket office, and welcome area. By 2024, storage areas will be reopened to scholars and visitors with a study room and collection maintenance space. All interventions are expected to conclude by 2026 without museum closures. Funding comes from PNRR, special seismic adaptation funds, lottery contributions (Law 190), and ordinary public works funds. The Marche Museums Directorate, led by Luigi Gallo, is investing heavily in the project, which aims to make the museum speak to today's visitors.