Toscana
The University of Pisa's Gipsoteca d'Arte Antica, a collection of classical statues in a church
The Gipsoteca d'Arte Antica, which, together with the Antiquarium, is part of the University of Pisa's Sistema Museale di Ateneo, has a special feature: it is housed inside a Romanesque church, that of San Paolo all'Orto. Here is its history and collections.
By Redazione | 16/01/2025 18:07
One of the most fascinating and least known places of Pisa's cultural heritage: it is the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica , which, together with theAntiquarium, is part of theUniversity of Pisa's Sistema Museale di Ateneo: an institution that combines history, art and education in a unique context, because the Gipsoteca is located in the historic church of San Paolo all'Orto, which was closed to worship and converted into museum space.
The Gipsoteca is located in the heart of Pisa's historic center, inside a Romanesque church attested since the 11th century, and is one of the first Italian collections of its kind, with a collection offering a summary of Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, put together in the late 19th century to provide students at the University of Pisa with examples to look at during their studies. Today, the Gipsoteca is a place where history, art and research come together to provide visitors with a... journey through time and space. A rich collection, an unusual and unique venue, a significant stop for anyone wishing to discover the cultural heritage of antiquity through the perspective of a historical collection of plaster casts of the masterpieces of Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, as well as a collection, that of the Antiquarium, which includes hundreds of artifacts. A museum that is also a testament to the University of Pisa's great commitment to the enhancement of its extraordinary heritage.
The origins of the Gipsoteca
The history of the Gipsoteca di Arte Antica began in 1887: that year, Gherardo Ghirardini, professor of archaeology at the University of Pisa, decided to create a collection of plaster casts of major Greek, Roman and Etruscan works of art. The initiative was inspired by practices already established in other European universities, particularly in Germany, where casts were considered a fundamental tool for academic study. This collection aimed to offer students direct access to the great works of ancient art, without the need to travel abroad.
Over time, the collection has been enriched from a simple teaching tool to a heritage of cultural and historical significance. Casts have been joined by original artifacts, archaeological finds and other material evidence, documenting the artistic and cultural evolution of ancient civilizations. Today, the Gipsoteca is not only a place of preservation, but also a research and outreach center open to the public.
The collection of the Gipsoteca
The collection of the Gipsoteca includes a wide selection of plaster casts of the most famous sculptures of antiquity. The selection includes some cornerstones of severe and late archaic Greek art such as the Tyrannicides, theKritios Ephebus and the Statue of Penelope, and then again from the classical age such as the Bust of Athens, the Marsyas, the Disk of Myron and theHermes of Olympia to then arrive at a masterpiece of the Hellenistic age such as the Laocoon of the Vatican Museums, which occupies a place of its own in the display of the Gipsoteca. There is also no shortage of Roman works such as theApollo of the Belvedere and Roman works tout court beginning with the Capitlonia She-Wolf. There are also plaster casts tracing the Parthenon marbles, particularly the slabs of the frieze and the sculptures of the east pediment.
These casts, made with extraordinary precision, allow us to appreciate every detail of the original works, offering an in-depth understanding of the techniques and artistic styles of the period.
Alongside the casts, the Gypsoteca houses theAntiquarium of Classical Archaeology, a collection that includes more than 1,500 original artifacts. Prominent among them are red and black-figure Attic pottery, Etruscan and Roman vases, ancient coins and architectural fragments, as well as metal artifacts such as fibulae, razors, and everyday objects. These objects tell the story of the daily life, religious beliefs and funerary practices of ancient civilizations, offering a vivid picture of their material culture.
Another section of great interest is dedicated to the palethnological collections, which document the prehistory and protohistory of humankind and draw their origin from the collection of Carlo Regnoli, a Pisan physician who promoted excavations in 1867 to study prehistoric evidence in the caves of Versilia and Monte Pisano. Among the exhibits are lithic tools, ceramic objects, and fossil remains that testify to the technological and cultural evolution of early human communities. This section is particularly valued for its educational value, offering visitors a perspective on the origin and development of human societies.
The venue: the church of San Paolo all'Orto
The Gipsoteca has been based, since 2005, in the church of San Paolo all'Orto, a building of medieval origin located in the historic center of Pisa. The church, dating back to the 12th century (it is first attested in 1086), even before it was closed to worship (so it is not deconsecrated) and adapted as a museum space, underwent major remodeling, especially during the Baroque period: the renovations, however, did not prevent the church from preserving most of its original architectural features, starting with the columns with Romanesque capitals. The high naves, round arches and stone decorations create an evocative atmosphere that enriches the visiting experience.
The use of a sacred space to house an ancient art collection underscores the dialogue between past and present, sacred and profane, making a visit to the Gipsoteca a very special experience. The fusion of historic architecture and the works on display offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history and art by learning about masterpieces of classical art through their plaster casts.
Educational activities and accessibility
The Gipsoteca di Arte Antica is not only a place of conservation, but also a center for education and outreach. Thanks to its close connection with the University of Pisa, the museum, in addition to being a training center for students at the University of Pisa, is home to numerous educational and research activities. These include workshops for schools, refresher courses for teachers and activities for families.
In addition, the Gipsoteca regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences and lectures, which explore topics related to ancient art and culture. The issue ofaccessibility is also a particular concern. The Gipsoteca d'Arte Antica, as well as the entire University of Pisa University Museum System, devote a deep commitment to ensuring an inclusive and accessible visiting experience for all. Thus, activities specifically designed for people with motor and sensory disabilities are available, as well as guides and information materials in multiple languages. The museum also offers guided tours by appointment, ideal for school groups, families, and art and archaeology enthusiasts.
For those who wish to explore further, publications and catalogs can be purchased from the museum's bookshop. This space offers a selection of books, guides and souvenirs related to the collections and the history of ancient art.
The Gipsoteca of Ancient Art and Antiquarium is located in Piazza San Paolo all'Orto, in the heart of Pisa. Opening hours may vary depending on the season and scheduled events, so check the official website(www.gipsoteca.sma.unipi.it) for up-to-date information.
