Giano Del Bufalo's Wunderkammer: A Contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities in Rome

Giano Del Bufalo (born 1987), co-founder of Rome's Diorama Gallery alongside Niccolò Mottinelli, has assembled a personal Wunderkammer that revives the Renaissance tradition of curiosity cabinets. His collection includes a Tibetan drum made from two skull caps, a rare shrunken head (tsantsa) of an Amazon warrior, taxidermy animals, and weapons from Oceania. Del Bufalo criticizes contemporary art for losing its spiritual dimension, finding deeper meaning in tribal and exotic objects that embody pre-modern beliefs. The collection reflects a broader revival of Wunderkammer culture, driven by a desire for authenticity and spiritual connection in a disposable consumer society. Del Bufalo's objects, many acquired through private networks, fairs, and auctions, are displayed in his gallery and private residence, inviting viewers into a timeless space where art and wonder converge.