Treasures of Aquileia from the kunsthistorisches museum in Vienna

Catalogue of exhibition opened in Aquileia at National Archaeological Museum from June 9th to October 20th 2019

Fondazione Aquileia was established in 2008 following the agreement between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and the Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia. Moreover, the Municipality of Aquileia and Archdiocese of Gorizia are members of the Fondazione too. The main objective of the Fondazione is the enhancement of monuments, museums and the archaeological site of Aquileia, which has been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO since 1998. Furthermore, the Fondazione is committed to create an Archaeological park integrated into the present urban tissue. Besides that, the Fondazione fosters the knowledge of the ancient city with many initiatives, among them the exhibitions organized in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, the Aquileia Film Festival, conferences and other cultural events that in 2019 acquire a particular significance on the celebration of the 2200 years from the city foundation. In 181 BC, the Romans established the colony that became one of the most important cities of the Empire, as well as a center of diffusion of Christianity and seat of the largest diocese of the Church for many centuries, which from Lake Como extended to Hungary.

The National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia was founded in 1882 to host the large collection of archaeological finds from excavations and discoveries in Aquileia and its surroundings, which continue up to the present day. The exhibition itinerary, renewed in 2018, accompanies the visitor through the history of one of the most important Roman cities in northern Italy, which remains evident in the stone sculptures, amber, glass and semi-precious stone crafts, but in the rich collection of epigraphs and mosaics too. The Museum is an institute of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities assigned to the Polo Museale of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, one of the biggest and most important museums in the world, was established in 1891 by the emperor Francis Joseph to gather the imperial collections, and preserves a huge artistic heritage. Objects realized within five millenniums, from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans until the 19th century, testify the passion of the Hapsburgs for collecting. The Renaissance and Baroque art occupies a relevant position. The sumptuous architecture of the museum located on the Ringstraße is extremely suggestive for the visitor, as well as the cycle of paintings along the representative and imposing staircase.