Palazzo Altemps - New Narrative Proposal

THE CLIENT

Girolamo Riario, the nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, initiated the construction of Palazzo Altemps in the late 15th century. However, following the pope's passing, the palace was abandoned. Several decades later, Cardinal Francesco Soderini took possession of the building and initiated a comprehensive renovation.

Today, Palazzo Altemps serves as the distinguished home to the National Roman Museum's remarkable collection of Greek and Roman art. Notable treasures within the Palazzo Altemps collection encompass the Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus, the Boncompagni-Ludovisi Throne, and the Galatian Suicide sculpture.

THE CHALLENGE

An in-depth analysis reveals that Palazzo Altemps faces the significant challenge of maintaining visitor engagement. Their current exhibition displays are antiquated, and the information provided to guests proves challenging to absorb. The magnificent Altemps collection is not receiving the appreciation it truly deserves, and visitors often leave with confusion and a sense of boredom.

In response to these issues, Palazzo Altemps has extended an invitation for proposals from Post-Graduate students at IED. They seek innovative ways to transform their collection into an interactive, captivating, and easily digestible experience while attracting a broader audience.

THE SOLUTION

1- Path from Piazza Navona - Leverage the prime location of Piazza Navona, a magnet for tourists, by creating an inviting and colorful pathway leading from Piazza Navona to the primary entrance of Palazzo Altemps. This path will feature a spectrum of colors representing the various collections, with clear signage delineating each family's unique assortment.

2- Modernizing Palazzo Altemps - Employ cutting-edge projection mapping technology to enhance user interaction and craft a virtual narrative for key sculptures. This experience can be accessed through QR codes or tablets made available by the Palazzo. These dynamic additions will breathe new life into the classical art on display.

3- Enriching the Visitor Experience - Transform the museum into a realm of wonder, where history comes to life and engages all visitors. Embrace inclusive and accessible designs to accommodate diverse heritage education projects for families, schools, and individuals with special needs. Some promising proposals include:

Inviting artists through an open call to reimagine incomplete sculptures, thereby infusing contemporary art into the Altemps collection.
Harness the power of projection mapping technology for visitor interaction, opening the door to potential brand collaborations. This will transform the museum into an interdisciplinary space, expanding its focus beyond classical art and enriching the overall experience.