The museum was established by the Cavriana Archaeological Group with the aim of preserving, documenting and promoting the rich archaeological heritage of Upper Mantuan area. Today, it has a vast exhibition space and modern equipment and facilities, which allow it to pursue intensive educational, editorial and research activities. Extensive collections of artefacts are preserved in the museum from many archaeological sites of the morainic Upper Mantuan area between the courses of the Mincio and Chiese Rivers. The exhibition is divided into three sections: Pre/proto-historic, Roman and Medieval/Renaissance. Particularly worth mentioning are the Po Valley Bronze Age artefacts dating from the twenty-first to the twelfth century BC, excavated by the museum at the settlements of Bande di Cavriana and Castellaro Lagusello. Of curiosity is the Gallic presence in the area, as testified by some Celtic coins found among offerings to a shrine dedicated to Roman god Mercury. The museum also houses a selection of funerary objects from the two important Roman necropolises discovered along the road leading to the Mincio River. Among the most significant pieces is a funerary set with jewellery dating from the Roman period of Nero, a fine geometric pavement mosaic attributable to the late second century AD and a collection of tools belonging to a locksmith from the time of Marcus Aurelius.
Objects from more recent periods include Lombard artefacts, pottery, majolica, coins and Renaissance period tools from the 14th to the 16th century, that originated from excavations at the Gonzaga fortress of Cavriana. Of note, finally, is the room, restored almost entirely to its original state, where Emperor Napoleon III stayed around the time of the Battle of Solferino.
Open:
Tuesday to Friday: 9 am to 12 pm.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6:30 pm.
Closed:
Mondays and the month of December, except for special requests.
Normal admission € 2.50, reduced € 1.50
Guided visits by specialized staff € 30.00
Various educational packages and laboratory activities are available.
