A new archaeological section has been inaugurated at the Civic Center of Solofra, located in the former Convent of Santa Chiara—a striking 14th-century building. The exhibition presents artifacts spanning from the Middle Paleolithic to the Medieval era, offering a rich narrative of the area’s deep historical roots.
Creating this museum was an exciting challenge: with limited financial resources, it was necessary to find creative solutions to keep costs down without compromising quality. From the very beginning, the objective was clear: to offer an engaging and meaningful experience, capable of effectively conveying content while presenting visitors with a carefully curated and visually striking environment.
Maintaining high standards despite a tight budget required a delicate balance between design, material selection, and exhibition setup, with every choice approached thoughtfully and with sensitivity.
The project involved the ground floor of the complex’s west wing, in two rooms overlooking the evocative internal courtyard. The walls were painted matte black, eliminating the perception of architectural boundaries and creating a dramatic chromatic contrast that enhances the exhibition structures. These, in turn, are painted in a vibrant orange inspired by the warm tones of terracotta, immediately drawing the eye and guiding visitors along the exhibition path.
The irregular shapes of the archaeological display cases visually recall the fragmented nature of the historical heritage they contain. Their layout suggests a common origin from which the fragments have gradually broken away over time, narrating the complexity and allure of archaeological history. An additional wall-mounted element has been designed to create the illusion of a breached wall—an effective metaphor for the emergence of the past, as if history itself were resurfacing from the very material of the building.
The lighting, conceived to be minimal yet effective, enhances the artifacts by emphasizing their presence and depth.
In the second room, the experience is further enriched by an immersive soundscape. Four speakers, seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, diffuse an audio composition inspired by the local area—featuring natural sounds, echoes of the past, and evocative musical fragments. This soundtrack, designed to envelop the visitor, amplifies emotional engagement, transforming the visit into a multisensory experience that encourages reflection and contemplation.
Together, these elements—from innovative design to archaeological storytelling and evocative sound—make the new archaeological section of the Solofra Civic Center a virtuous example of historical heritage enhancement within a small community. It is a place that not only safeguards the memory of the past but brings it into the present through a contemporary, engaging, and emotionally resonant language.