Amazonian Voices Reshape Museum Experience: Free Guided Tour in Modena This Sunday
Modena, Italy – December 27, 2023 – In a move poised to redefine the role of the modern ethnological museum, the Modena Civic Museum is offering a free guided tour this Sunday, December 28th, at 5:00 PM, of its groundbreaking exhibition, “Voices, knowledge, heritage. From the Amazon to the Museum.” This isn’t just another exhibit; it’s a radical rethinking of how cultural stories are told, and who gets to tell them. For those seeking immediate cultural enrichment and a glimpse into the future of museum practices, this event is a must-attend. This is breaking news for anyone interested in cultural preservation and innovative museum design, and is optimized for instant Google indexing.
A Collaborative Journey: From the Amazon to Italy
The exhibition, which runs until March 22, 2026, is the culmination of an extraordinary international collaboration between the Civic Museum of Modena, the Department of Languages, Literatures and Modern Cultures of the University of Bologna, and the “Living Museums” of the Projeto Nova Cartografia Social da Amazônia. For nearly two decades, Projeto Nova Cartografia Social da Amazônia has been empowering traditional Amazonian communities through self-mapping and storytelling, giving them agency in representing their own cultures. This exhibition isn’t *about* the Amazon; it’s *with* the Amazon.
Curator Francesca Piccinini will lead the tour, offering unique insights into the project’s evolution and the profound impact of directly involving Amazonian communities in every stage of the exhibition’s creation. Visitors will learn how the museum moved beyond simply displaying objects to fostering a genuine dialogue and exchange of knowledge.
Rethinking Ethnological Collections: A Critical Lens
The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into two distinct, yet interconnected, spaces. The first section, “Rethinking the Museum,” challenges visitors to critically examine the history of ethnological collections. It asks vital questions about how these collections were formed, whose voices were historically silenced, and how we can begin to restore dignity and agency to the communities from which these objects originate. Alongside this critical reflection, “Remapping the Amazon” showcases the work of Projeto Nova Cartografia Social da Amazônia, highlighting their efforts to support community claims through self-representation.
A Living, Breathing Exhibition: Co-Creation in Action
The second room is where the exhibition truly comes alive. Between December 1st and 13th, representatives from the Amazon Living Museums worked directly with the Civic Museum’s staff, meticulously selecting objects, crafting their descriptions, and writing the accompanying captions – in real-time. This hands-on collaboration resulted in an environment that transcends the traditional, static display case, transforming the museum into a dynamic space for direct interaction, relationship-building, and shared learning. It’s a powerful demonstration of how knowledge isn’t a fixed entity, but rather a constantly evolving construct built through ongoing dialogue.
Evergreen Insight: The approach taken by the Modena Civic Museum represents a growing trend in the museum world – a shift towards decolonization and participatory curation. Museums are increasingly recognizing the importance of collaborating with source communities to ensure accurate, respectful, and empowering representations of their cultures. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution for institutions seeking to remain relevant and ethical in the 21st century.
No reservation is required for the guided tour, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a truly innovative and impactful museum experience.
For more information: 059 2033101/3125, [email protected]
The “Voices, knowledge, heritage” exhibition isn’t simply a display of artifacts; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, a challenge to conventional museum practices, and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future for cultural heritage. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on innovative cultural initiatives and breaking news from around the globe.
