Etruscan cista restored and displayed in Rome hotel as part of Arte fuori dal Museo initiative

An Etruscan cista with a handle depicting a Satyr and Maenad, dating from the 4th to 3rd century BCE, has been restored and will be exhibited at Palazzo Dama in Rome on April 19, 2026. The restoration, supervised by conservator Miriam Lamonaca, addressed structural fractures and surface abrasions, revealing intricate iconographic details. These include scenes of male warrior virtue and female ritual bathing, alongside plastic elements like feline paw feet with Ionic capitals and winged demons. The artifact originates from Palestrina and belongs to the Castellani Collection of the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia. Its display is the third installment of the Arte fuori dal Museo project, led by the Direzione generale Musei of the Ministero della Cultura in partnership with LoveItaly and Federalberghi Lazio. This initiative moves artworks from museum storage to historic luxury hotels, engaging non-specialist audiences. An inaugural event featured a tour at Villa Giulia led by director Luana Toniolo, followed by a transfer to Palazzo Dama. Attendees included actress Eva Cela, Olympic champion Alessandra Sensini, Francesca Mastroianni, artist Gian Mario Conti, journalists Manuela Moreno and Stefano Marroni, and Samaritana Rattazzi. Previous project iterations showcased items at Hotel Dom and Bettoja Mediterraneo. The model involves hotels as active partners funding restorations, redefining museums as nodes in a cultural network.