Mantua's Palazzo San Sebastiano Reopens as MACA Museum of Ancient Collections
The Palazzo San Sebastiano in Mantua has been rebranded as MACA – Mantova Collezioni Antiche following its renovation and the introduction of a fresh exhibition initiative. This 16th-century structure, constructed by Francesco II Gonzaga between 1506 and 1512, offers four distinct thematic paths. These include classical antiquities associated with Francesco II and Vespasiano Gonzaga, Egyptian, Islamic, and ethnological items curated by Giuseppe Acerbi, and Mesopotamian artifacts presented by Ugo Sissa. The ground floor highlights Francesco II, while the Sala dei Trionfi displays Vespasiano's Greco-Roman sculptures, featuring a bust of Cicero. Additionally, new exhibits from Sissa and Acerbi enrich the museum, which also houses the Tempio di San Sebastiano, inaugurated in June 2022 for Alberti's 550th anniversary.
Key facts
- Palazzo San Sebastiano renamed MACA – Mantova Collezioni Antiche
- Palace built by Francesco II Gonzaga between 1506 and 1512
- Four thematic itineraries: Francesco II, Vespasiano Gonzaga, Giuseppe Acerbi, Ugo Sissa
- Sala dei Trionfi houses Greco-Roman statuary and pseudo-antique busts
- Ugo Sissa was Chief Architect of the Government in Baghdad (1953-1958)
- Giuseppe Acerbi was Austrian consul in Egypt
- Tempio di San Sebastiano received new installation in June 2022
- 550th anniversary of Leon Battista Alberti's death in 2022
Entities
Artists
- Leon Battista Alberti
- Andrea Mantegna
- Francesco II Gonzaga
- Vespasiano Gonzaga
- Giuseppe Acerbi
- Ugo Sissa
Institutions
- MACA – Mantova Collezioni Antiche
- Palazzo San Sebastiano
- Palazzo Te
- Tempio di San Sebastiano
- Palazzo Ducale di Revere
- Hampton Court
- Artribune
Locations
- Mantua
- Italy
- Baghdad
- Iraq
- Egypt
- Rome
- London
- United Kingdom