ROMA, MARCH 12 – The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia is set to reopen its historic library on March 14, 2025, after a decade-long closure. The reopening follows an extensive process of reorganization, inventorying, and cataloging, aimed at restoring access to one of the most significant bibliographic collections dedicated to Etruscan-Italic archaeology and art history.
The library, originally established in 1891 as a research facility for archaeologists working on heritage preservation, has since evolved into a key reference point for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts. It houses over 20,000 volumes, including monographs, periodicals, and rare bibliographic materials. Among the most valuable collections is the Massimo Pallottino Fund, recognized in 1995 as a historically significant resource and now an integral part of the Guglielmo Marconi Library of the National Research Council (CNR). This collection consists of 6,000 monographs, 610 Italian and international periodicals, and over 8,000 abstracts compiled through extensive academic correspondence.
The reopening has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of museum staff, under the coordination of archaeological officer Antonietta Simonelli. The updated catalog system will facilitate research, offering better access to the wealth of information preserved within the library. Notable among its holdings is a large-format volume by Giovanni Pinza, a paleoethnology professor at the Royal University of Rome, dating back to 1913.
Luana Toniolo, director of the National Etruscan Museum, expressed pride in the library’s revival, emphasizing its importance in advancing scientific research in the field. “This is one of the most extensive libraries dedicated to Etruscan-Italic studies. By reopening it, we hope to support ongoing research and inspire new discoveries in archaeology and art history,” she stated.
The library will be accessible by reservation every Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with museum staff available to assist visitors in their research and consultation needs. For further details or to schedule a visit, inquiries can be sent to mn-etru.biblioteca@cultura.gov.it.
