New MAST Museum in Tuscany Merges History, Identity, and Virtual Reality

The historic Spedale Tau complex in Altopascio, Tuscany, once a medieval hospice for pilgrims along the Via Francigena run by the Knights of Tau, will become a contemporary cultural center with the opening of the MAST – Spedale del Tau museum in spring 2026. The museum aims to revitalize Altopascio's cultural system by narrating its historical roots through contemporary installations and tools, functioning as an open space for education and engagement. The project will involve the Silos area and the Loggiato Mediceo, enhancing the existing collection. Central to the experience is an immersive visit using virtual reality, multimedia installations, and narrative avatars. Giovanni Verreschi, president of ETT, stated that spectacularizing cultural heritage is effective for engaging audiences, especially younger generations. The core narrative covers the Spedale, the Via Francigena, and the Knights of Tau. In the Silos, informational panels, video projections, and an avatar of a 19th-century farmer guide visitors through the history of granaries, bread, and assistance to travelers. The Loggiato Mediceo will feature digital tools, archaeological display cases, an interactive cooking school inspired by medieval recipes, and VR headsets for viewing the short film 'Nel segno del Tau. Cavalieri e Pellegrini nell’Altopascio medievale.'