SANGIMIGNANO 1300, New Museum Dedicated to Medieval San Gimignano, Italy, Announces Grand Opening
May 12, 2010 — The MUSEA Group is pleased to announce the opening ofSANGIMIGNANO1300, a uniquely different gem of a museum located in the heart of San Gimignano, Italy. More of a “happening” than a museum, SANGIMIGNANO 1300 provides visitors the opportunity to truly experience and understand the historic, architectural and social aspects of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SANGIMIGNANO 1300 features a massive ceramic reconstruction of the entire city of San Gimignano as it existed in 1300, at the height of its artistic splendour. Architects, historians and a team of artists worked nearly three years to create this spectacular and unprecedented exhibition. This exhibit, “The City Of Beautiful Towers,” includes 800 meticulously handcrafted structures, 72 towers, street scenes and figurines, all faithfully recreated and done entirely by hand using natural pigments and terracotta. More than a ton of clay from the local quarry of Montelupo was used for this exhibit, which is already being praised and admired by the City of San Gimignano, UNESCO and the few visitors who have been lucky enough to see it.
SANGIMIGNANO 1300 is the culmination of the vision of two Master Artists, Michelangelo and Raffaello Rubino. The Brothers Rubino have spent a lifetime developing their skill in their medium of choice, ceramic. Using their skill and artistry, they have created something more than a museum, they have created an artistic experience that, in all, encompasses 4,000 square feet.
In addition to “The City Of Beautiful Towers,” the museum features nine other exhibits that depict the city during its artistic prime, including the reconstruction of the Convent of San Francesco, which was completely demolished in the 16th Century, and “Inside The Tower,” a reconstruction of an architecturally sectioned tower-house. Another reconstructed exhibit is “Palace life,” a three-dimensional reconstruction of a XIV Fresco by Memmo Filippuccio, done entirely in ceramic.
Other exhibits on display include “Outside The Walls,” handcrafted scenes depicting medieval life outside the city walls. Visitors to SANGIMIGNANO 1300 can also witness “Timeline,” hand drawn panels that detail the history of San Gimignano from the Etruscan age to the present day, with an in-depth focus on the medieval period. A visual projection area allows visitors to view documentaries concerning the life and customs of medieval Tuscany. Visitors can also witness “A Day In The City,” featuring staged and historically accurate scenes of medieval life.
Visitors can learn further information still from the exhibit “Via Francigena,” which provides a detailed graphic presentation of the Via Francigena and its spiritual and economic importance. Multimedia areas can also be found throughout the museum. These areas provide information on varying topics, including details on each developmental phase of the museum and in-depth historical and scientific aspects of medieval Tuscany.
The museum boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound such that each exhibit comes to life! Visitors will be fascinated by more than 200 handcrafted figurines, multiple street scenes, videos, symbolism and a 2,500-year graphic depiction of the city and region.
Those who visit SANGIMIGNANO 1300 and want to memorialize their trip can visit the museum’s gift shop, one of the largest in San Gimignano. The shop carries a vast selection of works of art, DVDs, books and other gifts and collectibles representative of Tuscan craftsmanship. Many objects are one-of-a-kind creations created exclusively by the museum or gathered from local artisans.
SANGIMIGNANO 1300 is variously a museum, exhibition and a unique opportunity to travel back in time. It represents, art, history, research and the magic vision of towers, squares and people of faith. Ultimately, however, it represents hard work, joy and a sincere desire to enhance this incredible medieval city.
For more information about SANGIMIGNANO 1300 or to discuss private tours, group discounts and artist “meet-and-greets,” contact director Pietro Bortolotti. More information about the museum can be found online athttp://www.sangimignano1300.com/eng/index_eng.html
Updated 05-13-2010
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