Mnemosyne 3D: Digitalizing Archaeological Heritage from Pompeii to Durham

Founded in 2015 in Pomigliano d'Arco near Naples, Mnemosyne 3D is a startup by two archaeology graduates, Maria De Falco (now a PhD candidate at Durham University, UK) and Maria Laura Nappi (tutor in 3D printing courses). The company specializes in 3D scanning, digital modeling, and physical reproduction of archaeological artifacts for museums, research, and cultural heritage preservation. They created a digital replica of a Homo erectus fossil from Eritrea for the Homo Sapiens exhibition in Milan, using photogrammetry and 3D printing with resin, plaster, and ICC paper-based technology. Mnemosyne 3D also develops a platform and upcoming app for a 'diffuse museum' concept, digitizing both tangible and intangible heritage of minor cultural districts, such as the ecomuseum of the Picentini municipalities (including Giffoni Valle Piana) in Salerno province. They collaborate with local institutions and offer training courses with universities and museums in Italy and abroad, aiming to bridge archaeological knowledge with digital innovation. Their main competitor in Italy is 3D Archeolab, but Mnemosyne 3D distinguishes itself through its focus on ecomuseums and a humanities-driven approach.