On March 10, 2025, it was officially announced through various outlets, including AGENPARL, the reopening of the historic library at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia. This long-awaited event marks the return of over 20,000 volumes focused on Etruscan-Italic history, art, and archaeology, offering scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts access after nearly ten years of closure.
The library, founded back in 1891, has experienced extensive growth, thanks to contributions from notable figures such as Raniero Mengarelli, Maria Santangelo, and Mario Moretti. Its vast collection of monographs, periodicals, and rare bibliographic items is not only significant for the Etruscan community but also plays an integral role for researchers across various disciplines.
“We are really proud to have returned to the world of research this extraordinary library heritage which is now usable again after ten years of closure to the public,” stated Luana Toniolo, the director of the museum. This reopening is not merely about access; it also promises to transform the library's function, positioning it as a laboratory for new ideas and research initiatives within the field.
The library's commitment to enhancing its collection has included the expertise of archeologist Antonietta Simonelli, who has been pivotal in the lengthy tasks of reorganizing, inventorying, and cataloging the volumes. Toniolo expressed the aspiration of making this library one of the most well-stocked and respected resources for Etruscan and Italic archaeology and art. “We hope it can represent an important reference point for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts opening new horizons for scientific research,” she added.
A prime highlight from the library's extensive collection is the large-format work by Giovanni Pinza, dated back to 1913 and originally purchased for 50,000 lire. This spectacular piece not only showcases the depth of the library’s holdings but also reflects its rich history of supporting scholarly work.
Adding to the library’s prestige is the Massimo Pallottino collection, which was recognized for its significant historical interest back in 1995. Comprising 6,000 monographs, 610 Italian and foreign periodicals, and more than 8,000 extracts, this collection is considered one of the principal bibliographic archives for Etruscan studies globally, resulting from over seventy years of accumulated research and correspondence with scholars worldwide.
The library will be accessible for consultations every Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Notably, visits will require prior reservations, allowing the museum staff to assist scholars and researchers effectively.
Overall, the reopening of the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia’s library is much more than the availability of books; it is seen as the rejuvenation of academic exchange and the pursuit of knowledge about Etruscan heritage. Researchers and enthusiasts eager to engage with its vast resources can look forward to this remarkable opportunity beginning March 14, 2025. The commitment to fostering scholarly engagement underlines the importance of the library as not just a repository, but as a vibrant hub for research and discovery.