by InTrieste
The long-awaited reopening of the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic in Grado is now scheduled for the end of 2025, following the launch of the museum’s new exhibition design.
The updated plans were presented to the public today at the Sala Comunale, shortly after a joint technical inspection at the museum site. The second phase of work—focusing on exhibition installation—was officially commissioned this May, marking a key milestone after the completion of structural and systems upgrades to the building.
The project was reviewed on site by officials including Andreina Contessa, director of the Regional Directorate of National Museums in Friuli Venezia Giulia; Giuseppe Corbatto, mayor of Grado; and Marta Novello, director of the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, who is leading the scientific direction of the new museum layout.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Italy’s Ministry of Culture through its Directorate-General for Museums, which is providing the funding and overseeing the project in coordination with local and regional authorities. According to officials, renewed collaboration between the Ministry and the Municipality of Grado was pivotal in restarting the process in 2020, following a period of inactivity.
That year also saw the appointment of Contessa to her current role and the creation of a dedicated working group to bring the museum’s vision to life.
The revamped museum aims to highlight the region’s rich underwater archaeological heritage and provide an updated, accessible space for both researchers and the general public. Further details on the exhibition content and programming are expected in the coming months as preparations continue toward the projected opening date.
