The exhibit design and layout proposed for the Aristaios Museum, which now holds the collection donated by the maestro Giuseppe Sinopoli, is located within one of the most striking and rich spaces of the Auditorium designed by architect Renzo Piano: the room often called "La Sala del Penduncolo" is adjacent to the archaeological museum. The large window that frames both the Roman Villa and the Santa Cecilia room, the roman bricks of the walls, the travertine floors, the wooden ceilings, all give rise to an envelope ideal for an exhibition through which visitors promenade. The unfolding space becomes a historically rigorous, yet also emotionally compelling visit; a unique portrayal of the showcased for the public. The architects believed that "rhythm" was the right aspect with which to guide the spectator inside the exhibition space. The design consists of two long transparent displays of approximately 24m by 7m of extra-white glass cases that hang from the brick walls and contain most of the pieces of the collection. Arranged at various heights and depths according to the rhythmic sequence that leads the eye naturally from one object to another, the collection is arranged in full view. Discovery and curiosity acquaint the visitor not only with the historical period these belonged to, but also to the work and dedication necessary to amass the exhibit's pieces. Between the window overlooking the Roman villa and the reliquary wall, there are 11 cylindrical shrines, spread out throughout the length of the axis where the ancient roman wall once stood. These complete the exhibit's circulation path. The cylinders create a type of "archaeological forest" amongst which the visitors may wander in order to better admire some of the more priceless and fine pieces of the collection.
credits
Project: Alvisi Kirimoto + Partners (Massimo Alvisi, Junko Kirimoto, Alessandra Spiezia, Arabella Rocca) Engineering project for electrical and special systems: Mario Semproni, engineer Building structures and systems: Baglioni Srl Cabinets and fitting: S.A.C. Srl Lights: Zumtobel and Guzzini
