After more than twenty years of joint programming between PHI and the Archaeological park of Ercolano, culminating in the inauguration of the ancient beach last June 19, the memorandum of understanding was signed in Rome, at the Ministry of Culture, marking the beginning of a new phase in the public-private partnership for the archaeological park of Herculaneum.
This agreement provides for the retraining of the southern and eastern areas of Ancient Herculaneum. The ceremony was attended by: the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano; the Director General of Museums, Massimo Osanna; the Director of the Herculaneum Park, Francesco Sirano; the Mayor of Herculaneum, Ciro Buonajuto; the President of the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI), David W. Packard; and the President of the Packard Institute for Cultural Heritage, Michele Barbieri.
The agreement establishes the priorities of the interventions, including the construction of new permanent storage facilities with restoration laboratories and a new headquarters for the Archaeological Park with its offices.
The new buildings will be located to the south of the ancient city, thanks to the donation by the Packard Foundations of an area of over 3 hectares. This area, originally part of the sea until 79 AD and recently used for the cultivation of ornamental plants, was purchased for transfer to the institution, thus allowing the removal of modern buildings from the edges of the site.
This development will significantly improve the visitor experience and views of the gulf from surrounding neighborhoods.
The project also includes the expansion of green spaces, the creation of a new entrance on Corso Umberto I towards the sea and the construction of a car park for the buildings and visitors.
The aim is to improve the relationship between the ancient and modern city, with positive effects on the development of Ercolano and the quality of life of its citizens, as already demonstrated by the rebirth of the Via Mare-Via Cortili district.
Minister Sangiuliano stated: “Ercolano is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The MiC is committed to the rebirth and enhancement of the site. The agreement allows a great leap in quality with the acquisition of new land and the creation of new spaces for offices, warehouses and laboratories of the Archaeological Park.
This is in addition to the activities already planned, such as the reopening of the ancient beach of Herculaneum and the opening of the Stabia museum, creating the conditions for new actions to protect and enhance this world-unique. I thank the president of the Packard Humanities Institute, David W. Packard, for the commitment made with this agreement”.
Osanna added: “The agreement program, which resumes a multi-year collaboration with the PHI Foundation led by Dr. David W. Packard, was developed with a long-term vision and presents a comprehensive plan of protection and enhancement interventions, which will allow for an even more modern and innovative management of the spaces and deposits.
A good practice of the National Museum System that will generate a positive impact extending beyond the boundaries of the park, involving the entire territory and the community”.
Sirano stressed: “This is a revolutionary project that marks a ‘before and after’ in the history of research and management of the site. The site, today with inadequate offices and storage areas, will become an internationally avant-garde place in the protection and conservation of heritage, with particular reference to organic remains, one of the peculiarities of the Park.
We are at an important stage in valorising the place where the first systematic excavation campaigns on an urban scale of a Roman site began in the 18th century”.
Mayor Buonajuto said: “The agreement with the Packard Humanities Institute consolidates the twenty-year relationship with our city and represents a further significant step towards the protection and enhancement of our historical roots, as well as an opportunity for growth for cultural tourism not only in Ercolano, but also for the surrounding area. This collaboration will bring innovation, advanced research and best management practices”.
David W. Packard, president of the Packard Humanities Institute, said: “I am delighted that our foundation has been able to play a role in this important work at the site of ancient Herculaneum.
I have great admiration for the skill and dedication of the Italian specialists who worked on this project. I hope that the positive results of our support will encourage other private foundations to support similar projects in Italy”.
Article published on 26 July 2024 - 15:24
