Camerino’s Diocesan Museum reopens nine years after devastating 2016 earthquake
After nearly nine years since the devastating earthquake in 2016 that almost led to the evacuation of Camerino’s historic center, the Diocesan Museum and Archbishop’s Palace have reopened in Piazza Cavour. This facility, housed in the palace since 1965, suffered extensive damage during the quake on October 26, 2016. It is the first significant public building to be restored in the city's red zone. The restoration, which cost 26 million euros and was overseen by engineer Carlo Morosi, strengthened the structure from the late 16th century. The redesigned layout, crafted by Barbara Mastrocola and Matteo Mazzalupi, categorizes the exhibits, showcasing notable pieces such as wooden sculptures by Lucantonio di Giovanni Barberetti and the Madonna di Santa Maria in Via. Archbishop Francesco Mazzara highlighted the reopening's significance for both community identity and economic recovery. Admission to the museum is free.
Key facts
- Camerino’s Diocesan Museum and Archbishop’s Palace reopened nine years after the 2016 earthquake.
- The museum is housed in the late-16th-century Archbishop’s Palace, restored with 26 million euros.
- Engineer Carlo Morosi led the structural reinforcement, treating the building as a residential structure.
- The new museum layout was designed by director Barbara Mastrocola with art historian Matteo Mazzalupi.
- Highlights include works by Luca Signorelli, Valentin de Boulogne, Baciccio, Tiepolo, and Lucantonio di Giovanni Barberetti.
- The Madonna di Santa Maria in Via, an icon believed to protect against earthquakes, is displayed.
- Archbishop Francesco Mazzara called for cultural and economic revival through ‘good marketing of the territory.’
- Reconstruction commissioner Guido Castelli reported 12,000 closed and 9,500 active construction sites in the crater.
- The Basilica of Norcia is scheduled to reopen on October 30.
- Superintendent Pierluigi Moriconi reported 14,000 movable cultural assets secured in the Marche region.
Entities
Artists
- Lucantonio di Giovanni Barberetti
- Luca Signorelli
- Valentin de Boulogne
- Baciccio
- Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
- Giacomo Boccanera
- Angelo Giori
Institutions
- Museo Diocesano di Camerino
- Palazzo Arcivescovile di Camerino
- Università di Camerino
- Arcidiocesi di Camerino e San Severino Marche
- Commissario alla ricostruzione
- Sovrintendenza delle Marche
- ICR (Istituto Centrale per il Restauro)
- Mole Vanvitelliana di Ancona
- Museo dell’Arte Recuperata (Marec)
- Basilica di Norcia
- Duomo di Camerino
- Chiesa di Santa Maria in Via
- Chiesa di San Filippo
- Art Bonus
Locations
- Camerino
- Italy
- Piazza Cavour
- Marche
- Ancona
- Mole Vanvitelliana
- San Severino Marche
- Norcia
- Basilica di Norcia
- Central Apennines