The Madonna of Tarquinia returns home: innovation and beauty in the sign of Filippo Lippi

On December 5 in Tarquinia, in the halls of Palazzo Vitelleschi, home of the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia, the exhibition 1437 opened its doors to the public. Filippo Lippi’s Madonna, Tarquinia and Cardinal Vitelleschi, an event celebrating the return of Filippo Lippi’s Madonna of Tarquinia , a famous panel painting by the Florentine master preserved in Rome’s Palazzo Barberini, to the city for which it was originally created. The exhibition is on view until March 4, 2025.

Commissioned by Cardinal Giovanni Vitelleschi, the Tarquinia Madonna, created in 1437, now finds a temporary home at the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia, housed in the palace that bears the name of its commissioner. This cultural event concludes the museum’s centennial celebrations, thanks to the organization of the Archaeological Park of Cerveteri and Tarquinia (PACT) and the collaboration between the Municipality of Tarquinia, Diocese Civitavecchia-Tarquinia and the Department of Cultural Heritage Enhancement of the Ministry of Culture.

A rare return, with innovative technology

In seventy years, this is the third time the panel has left Palazzo Barberini, where it is kept, to return to Tarquinia. This exceptional return thus allows the rediscovery of one of the most significant works of the early Renaissance in Lazio, in a context that interweaves art, religion and politics.

A leading role in this operation was entrusted to Skylab Studios, a company specializing in interactive visual marketing. Its participation added modernity and innovation to the project, as the museum experience was made even more immersive and accessible. Among the initiatives realized by Skylab Studios stands out an emotional video dedicated to Palazzo Vitelleschi, narrated by the voice of the Director of the Archaeological Park, Vincenzo Bellelli. The video offers a special perspective that begins with an evocative shot from above, and then gradually immerses itself in the ancient residence of the cardinal.

The absolute star of the exhibition, the Madonna of Tarquinia, was also the subject of a very high-definition 3D scan. This intervention made it possible to create a digital version of the work, accessible via QR code, which allows visitors to observe every detail with unprecedented clarity.

Skylab Studios’ efforts did not stop there. To ensure an inclusive experience, the company has developed a special tactile version of the Tarquinia Madonna, designed to allow blind and visually impaired people to engage with the work. This approach reiterates the importance of cultural heritage being accessible to all, without barriers. Another technological piece that enriches the exhibition is the virtual tour of Cardinal Vitelleschi’s Studiolo, located on the second floor of Palazzo Vitelleschi. This space, which once housed the cardinal’s private library, has been photographed in 360° high-definition to allow visitors to explore it via a touch screen.

The tour is enriched by interactive hotspots that, when clicked, reveal details and curiosities about the frescoes, placed more than four meters above the ground. This innovative tool makes accessible an important part of the artistic heritage that is often difficult to fully appreciate.

Thanks to these solutions, the event stands as a virtuous example of how modern technologies can enhance art and history, without distorting their essence. Skylab Studios, which has deep roots in the Tarquin area, once again confirms its excellence in the field of cultural innovation.

The Madonna of Tarquinia returns home: innovation and beauty in the sign of Filippo Lippi

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