Museo Egizio
A supporting extension

The new roof stems from the columns on the basement level and aligns with the existing facades of the Palazzo del Collegio dei Nobili thanks to a grid that, conceptually, echoes the archaeological excavation technique used to reference what is discovered. A discovery not only of what lies beneath (the new Piazza and Egyptian Garden) but also of the Palazzo and the Accademia delle Scienze thanks to more than 85% of transparent surface. The beams and columns of the structure will be of recycled metal, covered with thin-jointed panels of fluted limestone.

Under the roof, a new public Piazza is defined by a single element: an iconic monumental staircase inspired in form, proportion and materiality by ancient Egypt. A simple architectural gesture has been developed to emphasize the different relationships between the user body and the new Piazza: across the original ground level to maintain and organize access to the ground floor functions, bringing it up to allow a closer look at the existing facade and the new roof, and leading it down in a double-height space to the mysteries and discovery of the magnificent collection.

The monumental staircase thus becomes not only an element of negotiation with the existing but also, and more importantly, an activator of the space’s potential. In fact, thanks to the two amphitheaters, the seating area is greatly increased, which is essential for accommodating the numerous groups and school groups, for hosting conferences and large-scale events, and also, potentially, for organizing sculptures and exhibitions throughout its length. In contrast to the lightness of the roof, fluted limestone panels here give the volume a monumental appearance.

The former courtyard is then completed with a new, lush Egyptian Garden, divided thematically into two parts, a “desertic” one where it will be possible to walk on the upper amphitheater and approach the large palms and taller shrubs, and an “aquatic” one where, while descending, will give the chance to admire different types of papyrus and lotus. A descent that culminates in the new entrance to exhibition itinerary in the basement.

With its 7 meters of net height at the highest part, the basement floor becomes the perfect space to host multimedia exhibitions and immersive installations or, thanks to the adjustable shadings, will be possible to transform it into another large museum room for exhibitions.