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MIA: Virtual Reality Museum Opens in Avella, Italy

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

The MIA (Museo Immersivo e Archeologico) has opened in the Palazzo Baronale of Avella, Italy, offering immersive virtual reality experiences of the ancient Roman city of Abella, which came under Roman protection in 399 BC. Spanning 1,200 square meters across two floors plus a mezzanine and attic, the museum features nine themed rooms and an educational space with projections, graphic installations, talking paintings, and VR stations. Developed by ETT, the project aims to reveal historical aspects previously obscured by time. ETT CEO Giovanni Verreschi stated the museum exemplifies how technology supports historical study and enhances cultural heritage. The museum is part of the Sistema Irpinia digital platform, a tourism-cultural plan developed by Almaviva connecting 118 municipalities across 29 districts via interactive infopoints. Avella Mayor and Province President Domenico Biancardi expressed pride in the achievement, calling the museum a gem for the local community. The Sistema Irpinia platform will officially launch at the end of August but will be operational from late July.

Key facts

  • MIA stands for Museo Immersivo e Archeologico (Immersive and Archaeological Museum).
  • The museum is located in the Palazzo Baronale in Avella, province of Avellino, Italy.
  • The building covers 1,200 square meters over two floors, a partial mezzanine, and an attic.
  • It offers 360-degree immersive experiences of ancient Abella, a Roman city since 399 BC.
  • The museum has nine themed rooms plus an educational room with VR, projections, and talking paintings.
  • ETT S.p.A. developed the museum's technology; CEO Giovanni Verreschi commented on the project.
  • MIA is part of the Sistema Irpinia digital platform, developed by Almaviva, connecting 118 municipalities.
  • The platform will officially launch at the end of August but will be operational from late July.

Entities

Institutions

  • MIA (Museo Immersivo e Archeologico)
  • Palazzo Baronale di Avella
  • ETT S.p.A.
  • Sistema Irpinia
  • Almaviva
  • Provincia di Avellino
  • Comune di Avella

Locations

  • Avella
  • Avellino
  • Irpinia
  • Italy
  • Piazza Municipio, 83021 Avella AV

Sources