Milan's Ambitious Etruscan Museum Delayed to Late 2020

The Fondazione Luigi Rovati's Etruscan Museum in Milan, initially slated for late 2018, is now expected to open by the end of 2020. The project, housed in Palazzo Bocconi-Rizzoli-Carraro at Corso Venezia 52, involves restoring the historic building and displaying a collection of 700 archaeological pieces repatriated from Switzerland. Vice president Giovanna Forlanelli Rovati cited design changes, including an additional underground floor for storage, and the discovery of 18th- and 19th-century archaeological remains in the garden as reasons for the delay. The museum will feature permanent galleries designed by Mario Cucinella with stone domes, a ground-floor reception area with ticket office, café, and shop, a second-floor auditorium and temporary exhibition space, and a rooftop restaurant. The foundation has acquired additional Italian collections and the library of Professor Camporeale. Collaborations include the Municipality of Milan, the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio, and the University of Milan. The museum aims to present Etruscan artifacts through a contemporary lens, with rotating displays of about 300 objects from over 4,000 acquired. Plans include interdisciplinary activities, workshops, and interactions with contemporary artists.