Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo "Villa Frigerj"
Museum | Chieti | Abruzzi | Italy
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo, also known as Villa Frigerj, is located in Chieti, Abruzzo, and is housed in an elegant neoclassical villa built in 1830 by the Neapolitan architect Enrico Riccio on behalf of Baron Ferrante Frigerj.
History and Architecture:
The Villa Frigerj was originally built as a private residence and was transferred to the city of Chieti in 1864, which used it as a school. In 1959, it was converted into the National Archaeological Museum and has been part of the Polo Museale dell'Abruzzo since 2014.
Collections and Exhibitions:
Prehistoric and ancient artifacts: The museum houses a significant collection of artifacts documenting the history of Abruzzo from prehistory to late antiquity. Notable is the statue of the Warrior of Capestrano, a masterpiece of Italic art from the 6th century BC, considered one of the most important pre-Roman finds in central Italy.
Roman sculptures and coins: Roman exhibits include a monumental marble sculpture of Hercules from Alba Fucens and an extensive coin collection ranging from the 4th century BC to the Italian unification period.
Pansa Collection: A private collection donated by Giovanni Pansa in 1954 includes various bronze figures and other antiquities providing insight into the art and culture of the region.
Educational offerings:
The museum offers various educational programs including workshops, lectures, and special exhibitions focusing on the history and culture of Abruzzo. A specialized library with around 13,000 volumes is available to researchers and the public.
Overall, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo provides a deep insight into the archaeological history of the region and is a significant place for culture enthusiasts and history lovers.
