The new section "Paestum: From the Roman City to Today" at the National Archaeological Museum

The section "Paestum: From the Roman City to Today," dedicated to the archaeologist Mario Torelli, has been opened to the public. It traces the history of Paestum from the foundation of the Latin colony in 273 BC to the Middle Ages.

The museum's new exhibition route ideally replicates the stratigraphic sequence of an archaeological excavation, from bottom to top and from the oldest to the most recent, reconstructing the Prehistory and Protohistory of the area (Section "Prehistory and Protohistory" in the basement), the evolution of the city of Poseidonia-Paistom during the Greek and Lucanian periods (Section "The Greek-Lucanian City" on the ground floor and first floor), and the transformations in Paestum during the Roman, late ancient, medieval, and modern periods, up to the site's "rediscovery" in the 18th century and the latest developments in archaeological studies and research (Section "Paestum: From the Roman City to Today" on the second floor). The new layout also includes a section entirely dedicated to visiting the storerooms (Section "Beyond the Museum" in the basement).

The new section traces the history of Paestum from the foundation of the Latin colony in 273 BC to the modern age: the old and new forms of religiosity, public and private spaces, coinage, major figures, and daily life of the city come to life in a completely refurbished space. It showcases iconic works such as the bronze statue of the silenus Marsyas and presents for the first time unpublished artifacts from recent excavations or selected from a thorough review of the storerooms and an extensive study and documentation phase. The visit continues with the exhibition of the volume by G.B. and F. Piranesi with views of the temples, belonging to the museum's collection, and ten works in engraving, watercolor, gouache, and other techniques from the Giambattista Vico Foundation's collection. These works testify to the site's "rediscovery" in the mid-18th century, linked to the Grand Tour phenomenon and its representation in the imagination of 19th-century travelers and scholars. Original documents and photographs finally recount the beginning of the significant excavation, study, and research period in the 20th century, which continues today in the spirit of protecting and enhancing Paestum's archaeological heritage.

The museum is accessible with the Campania>Artecard pass.