Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa opens after 20-year archaeological project

The Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa opens to the public in the restored Arsenali Medicei, showcasing around 800 artifacts including seven ancient ships dating from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD, four of which are intact. The museum, funded entirely by the state with an investment of approximately 16 million euros over two decades, was inaugurated with Minister Bonisoli in attendance. Project director Andrea Camilli described the finds as 'unpredictable, unforeseen, and of great importance.' The museum layout, designed by architects Maurizio di Puolo and Anna Ranghi, contextualizes the objects within the history of Pisa's relationship with water, avoiding a traditional wunderkammer approach. The exhibition includes a reconstructed ship, the Alkedo, and a small planetarium. Management has been entrusted to Cooperativa Archeologia, which also handled the excavation and restoration. Future plans include the opening of a Centro di Restauro del Legno Bagnato. The museum is open Friday to Sunday from 10:30 to 18:30 and Wednesday from 14:30 to 18:30.