Una musealizzazione interattiva «unplugged»: archeologia pubblica alla rocca aldobrandesca di Arcidosso

The Florence University Chair of Medieval Archaeology and the Municipality of Arcidosso (Italy, Tuscany, Mount Amiata) opened in 2014 a permanent museum exhibition in the premises of Aldobrandeschi Castle at Arcidosso, a multi-period architectural-archaeological site whose main developmental phases can be dated between 10th and 15th century CE. The Castle constitutes a superb example of European and Tuscan medieval seigniorial and military architecture and is beautifully preserved; moreover it is located at the center of the Amiata and Fiora Valley area, a vast rural territory intensively investigated by means of Light Archaeology by Florence University since 2003. Museological and museographic planning were carried out, during a period of 3 years, with a Public Archaeology perspective, in order to maximize interaction with non-planners, both during ‘formative’ phases, as well as (after the opening) within the actual museum environment. From a theoretical perspective, Arcidosso replicates and elaborates on the museological structure of the international exhibition “From Petra to Shawbak” (Florence, Palazzo Pitti, 2009) although with relevant specifics, as the full integration of antique artefacts and contemporary works of art clearly demonstrates. Finally, a distinctive mark of the Museum of Arcidosso is constituted by interactive ‘unplugged’ displays, thought of as a most suitable means for visitors to select the desired contents from a very structured (and rich) data-set all the while limiting maintenance costs from the part of the local owner/manager, Municipality of Arcidosso, enhancing sustainability and durability of the project.