Chieti University Museum is the only University Museum in the Abruzzo region and it has a scientific nature. In its specificity, it contributes to characterize the “G. d’Annunzio” University by constituting the “place of memory” and an exhibition space dedicated to the knowledge and dissemination of Natural Sciences and History of Science, with a particular inclination towards biological and medical aspects from archaeological, medical, anthropological and paleontological research, but also with specific sections dedicated to Natural History and History of Science and Art.
The affiliation of the structure to the main national and international associations, such as the National Association of Scientific Museums – ANMS and the International Council of Museums – ICOM, ensure their belongings to the shared quality standards.
Digital instruments
The XXIX ANMS Congress was held at the Museum from 23 to 25 October 2019 (the first in Abruzzo), and it was characterized by the association of the three Universities of Chieti, L’Aquila and Teramo in organizing the event, with a partnership and a program of great interest and cultural depth. The chosen topic, subject of research and debate at national and international level, was: Accessibility in museums. Limits, resources and strategies, a very current issue due to the complexity of the period we are living. The health emergency that we are facing, indeed, requires us to conceive, design and implement original ways of communication to stay close to citizens and make equally accessible and usable, as far as possible, the precious heritage that our museums shield.
As a matter of fact, in light of the new emergency decree, which imposes further restrictions for the containment of covid-19 contagion, museum institutions and cultural operators from all over Italy are responding to the coronavirus emergency with dynamic and creative initiatives through digital tecnologies to allow users to stay at home, as the regulations prescribe, but still being able to access some cultural contents. Even the University Museum of Chieti aimed to reinforce its social and educational role according to the communication campaign Culture does not stop promoted by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism (MIBACT): it virtually opened its doors to visitors to spread culture, conveying its collections and contents.
The main digital channels of dialogue chosen are the museum website and the social network Facebook.
The Museum has posted on its social page the video made on the occasion of the aforementioned XXIX ANMS Congress in which is presented to the public the University Museums System of our region: Chieti, L’Aquila and Teramo.
A virtual exhibition hall
The planning aroused from the need to offer new times and ways of using the finds and works of art continues with another post. Given the real impossibility of being able to visit the temporary exhibition Beauty and poetry in the work of Claudio Bonichi, it was decided to put all the works online, giving all users the opportunity to admire them.
It is a series of paintings from the Alfredo and Teresita Paglione Collection that perfectly describe the artist Claudio Bonichi (1946-2016), his passion for details, the great craftsmanship of his hands, the infinite sensitivity of his soul. Beauty and poetry through still-life paintings or female figures, the one and the other herald of great emotions. Eleven canvases that describe the great painter and give the visitor precious moments of seduction, thanks also to the precious contribution of Cecilia Paolini who made the critical comment of the exhibited works. In this way, the Facebook page of the University Museum of Chieti has become a virtual exhibition hall: its collections are thus available on digital communication devices, and do not cease to reveal to users all over the world the timeless beauty intrinsic into cultural heritages.
Scientific ludo-didactic
In addition, the Museum thought to be close also to its younger users, presenting some experiments-games, in according to the principles of active education, taken from the book Scientific games and toys. Play, think and communicate the sciences (2019), published by this Museum.
These activities are easily achievable with recycled materials, born from scientific ludo-didactics meetings that University Museum of Chieti offers, in collaboration with the educational pedagogist, Antonio Di Pietro, to teachers of schools of all levels at start of each new school year. The published proposals aim to promote experiential and by discovery learning supporting the observation and formulation of hypotheses. It is a guide to building and doing small physics experiments with not-dangerous materials, easily found.
