The National Archaeological Museum of Metapontum dates back to the late 1980s.

It was inaugurated in 1991 and opened to the public with the exhibition Women’s Ornaments in Basilicata from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity with artefacts from the Antiquarium of Metaponto, the previous exhibition site.

Many categories of objects are represented in the museum, characterised by conservation needs related to material, execution technique, and burial history.

The innovative approach of this study consisted in the use of validated methodologies, technologies and monitoring protocols, as well as in the application of survey methods (instrumental and schedographic) developed on the basis of the evidence emerging from the fieldwork. The study was conducted to contribute to the implementation of the museum’s conservation and asset management programmes, also in anticipation of the museum’s refurbishment activities.

Following the protocol of the Environmental Data Sheet, a general assessment of the “museum container” was made, including the depots. The efficiency of the different exhibition structures (showcases) and the storage arrangements were then assessed.

At the same time, a survey was conducted on the state of preservation of the objects displayed in the halls, or kept in storage, and a number of artefacts in need of extraordinary maintenance or restoration were identified.

With the use of continuous and spot measuring instruments, four seasonal environmental monitoring campaigns (microclimate, lighting, air quality and entomological monitoring) were conducted over a period of four months: May (spring period), August (summer period), November (autumn period) and in February (winter period).

Entomological traps were placed in the halls and in the depots to assess the permeability of the spaces to the entry of insects and fauna in general from the outside.

From 21 June 2019 to 28 February 2020, the National Archaeological Museum of Metapontum hosted two of the five exhibition routes dedicated to mathematics in the programme of Matera European Capital of Culture 2019.

On display were 36 graphic works (woodcuts, lithographs, drawings, digital prints), created by Maurits Cornelius Escher in the 1930s-70s and by a number of contemporary artists inspired by the same tradition, on loan from private collections.

During the months of June to February, from the setting up of the exhibition until its closure, the temperature and relative humidity trends in the rooms were monitored, with 48 measurements per day. Constant monitoring of the environmental conditions of the exhibition made it possible to make some adjustments in the management of the facilities in order to maintain the microclimatic conditions required for the exhibition of these works.