by InTrieste
The Revoltella Museum, one of Trieste’s prominent cultural institutions, is set to undergo significant renovations aimed at improving accessibility for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. This initiative, presented on Friday by Elisa Lodi, the city’s Councilor for Real Estate Asset Policies, will enhance the museum’s infrastructure and ensure broader access to its exhibitions.
The project, which is partially funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), is valued at €500,000, with €369,165.20 coming from PNRR funds and the remainder covered by local government co-financing. The renovations are expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.
Lodi emphasized that the renovations will facilitate easier access for individuals with mobility challenges, making it more inclusive for a diverse range of visitors. “This project will ensure that the museum is accessible to everyone, including those with motor disabilities,” Lodi said during the press conference. “We are committed to improving access to cultural spaces, and the Revoltella Museum is an important part of our city’s cultural landscape.”
Key upgrades to the museum include the renovation of the entrance vestibule to accommodate people with mobility issues, the replacement of outdated elevators, and the addition of four new restrooms, two of which will be fully accessible. Other improvements include the relocation of the museum’s bookshop, better connections to upper floors, and the creation of a partially removable ramp to connect ground-floor rooms with the baronial palace facing Piazza Venezia. The project will also see the installation of new signage and improvements to the museum’s mobile app, which will feature a more user-friendly audio guide.
The museum’s director of works, architect Andrea Benedetti, highlighted how the changes will enhance not only accessibility but also the museum’s architectural integrity. The intervention will integrate the baronial palace and the adjacent Bruner building, both of which were designed by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa in the early 1960s. Benedetti explained that the project would create continuity between the accessible spaces of the museum, which currently have limited connection.
“This project is designed to make the museum more functional and to preserve its architectural features,” Benedetti said. “We’re working to ensure that the building remains faithful to the original vision while improving accessibility.”
The work is part of a broader initiative under Italy’s PNRR to remove physical and cognitive barriers in public cultural spaces. The Revoltella Museum is one of several institutions across the country selected for such upgrades, which aim to ensure that cultural heritage is accessible to as many people as possible.
In addition to the physical upgrades, the museum is also planning a revamp of its digital offerings. The PNRR funding will allow for the expansion of the museum’s app, with new features aimed at improving the experience for visitors with disabilities.
While the project is expected to be completed by March 2025, it is subject to potential changes during construction. Local officials anticipate that the closure of parts of the museum for the duration of the works will allow for a more efficient process.
The work is also part of Trieste’s ongoing efforts to improve its cultural infrastructure, making it more accessible to both residents and visitors.
Interview: Elisa Lodi, the city’s Councilor for Real Estate Asset Policies
