ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo di Orvieto remains closed a year after announced renovation

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-26

On August 29, 2024, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (MODO) in Orvieto was shut down by president Andrea Taddei for a reinstallation initiative. Initially, officials asserted that the closure would be straightforward, deeming a year as 'excessive.' However, a year later, the museum remains inaccessible, with no plans or discussions presented. The closure proceeded without a museological strategy, budget sanction, or financial backing. Some artworks were transferred to Museo Faina, while significant 16th-century altarpieces were moved to the cathedral, sparking concerns about conservation. Additionally, Cesare Nebbia's 'Natività della Vergine' is currently not on display. Critics challenge Taddei's analogy to the Fabbriceria fiorentina, calling for community engagement and a prompt reopening.

Key facts

  • MODO closed on August 29, 2024, for a reinstallation project.
  • President Andrea Taddei announced the closure, claiming work would not be complex.
  • After 12 months, the museum remains closed with no project presented.
  • Standard practice of defining project and funding before closure was reversed.
  • Some paintings moved to Museo Faina without communicated timelines.
  • Large 16th-century altarpieces relocated to cathedral, raising conservation concerns.
  • Works by Cesare Nebbia and Circignani currently not visible.
  • Reliquiario del Corporale by Ugolino di Vieri remains in Libraria Albèri.
  • Taddei compared plans to Fabbriceria fiorentina, which had €45 million and expert teams.
  • Article criticizes shift toward confessional management and 'demusealization'.

Entities

Artists

  • Cesare Nebbia
  • Circignani
  • Ugolino di Vieri
  • Timothy Verdon
  • Adolfo Natalini

Institutions

  • Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (MODO)
  • Opera del Duomo di Orvieto
  • Palazzi Papali
  • Museo Faina
  • Libraria Albèri
  • National Gallery of London
  • Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore
  • Guicciardini & Magni
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Orvieto
  • Italy
  • Florence
  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources