National Archaeological Museum
The idea of an archaeological museum takes shape in Siena between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, within those institutions that, due to various circumstances, had seen the formation of small nuclei of antiquities.
The idea of an archaeological museum takes shape in Siena between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, within those institutions that, due to various circumstances, had seen the formation of small nuclei of antiquities.
The idea of an archaeological museum began to take shape in Siena between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, within those institutions that, due to various circumstances, had seen the formation of small collections of antiquities. The scientific planning of the museum was carried out in the 1920s by the young Ranuccio Bianchi Bandinelli. The museum began to take form in the premises on Via della Sapienza, where between 1931 and 1933, materials from the Accademia dei Fisiocritici (findings from the city and the Mieli collection, donated to the Municipality of Siena in 1882) and the Bargagli di Sarteano collection, transferred to Siena in August 1931, were displayed. The establishment of the Royal Archaeological Museum dates back to October 7, 1941. The archaeological collection continued to grow in the following years: in 1951, the collection of Bonaventura Chigi Zondadari was donated to the state; two years later, the state acquired the collection of Emilio Bonci Casuccini, which provided valuable documentation of the archaeology of Chiusi. In the second half of the 20th century, the museum expanded thanks to accidental discoveries from the surrounding area and excavations carried out by the Superintendence. In the late 1980s, the museum was transferred to the Santa Maria della Scala complex, occupying the spaces at the corner of the hospital, the ancient women's pilgrim area, and some adjacent rooms. In 2001, the museum was moved once more to the lowest levels of the Santa Maria (I-II), consisting of tunnels carved into sandstone and large brick-built spaces.
Events and Exhibitions
AperiLIS at the museum!
Friday, December 19, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Santa Maria della Scala hosts AperiLIS at the museum!, an event dedicated to inclusion and the discovery of Italian Sign Language.
Friday, December 19, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Santa Maria della Scala hosts AperiLIS at the museum!, an event dedicated to inclusion and the discovery of Italian Sign Language.
Nights of Archaeology 2025 – July 31
As every year, the National Archaeological Museum takes part in the Nights of Archaeology, promoted by the Tuscany Region, with free night openings, educational activities, and guided tours.
As every year, the National Archaeological Museum takes part in the Nights of Archaeology, promoted by the Tuscany Region, with free night openings, educational activities, and guided tours.
Night of San Lorenzo: special opening featuring art, music, and tastings
On August 10th, on the occasion of the Night of San Lorenzo, Santa Maria della Scala will exceptionally open at night for an evening of art, music, and wine. From 9 pm to midnight, visitors will be able to explore the temporary exhibitions and museum spaces of the complex.
On August 10th, on the occasion of the Night of San Lorenzo, Santa Maria della Scala will exceptionally open at night for an evening of art, music, and wine. From 9 pm to midnight, visitors will be able to explore the temporary exhibitions and museum spaces of the complex.
Nights of Archaeology – Tuesday, July 15
As every year, the National Archaeological Museum takes part in the Nights of Archaeology, promoted by the Tuscany Region, with free night openings, educational activities, and guided tours.
As every year, the National Archaeological Museum takes part in the Nights of Archaeology, promoted by the Tuscany Region, with free night openings, educational activities, and guided tours.
European Archaeology Days
The Santa Maria della Scala museum complex will take part in the European Archaeology Days from June 13 to 15.
The Santa Maria della Scala museum complex will take part in the European Archaeology Days from June 13 to 15.
Presentation of the Volume "The Collection of Etruscan Coins at the National Archaeological Museum of Siena"
The volume retraces the history of the coin collection of the National Archaeological Museum, highlighting its main sources and the find contexts within the Siena area.
The volume retraces the history of the coin collection of the National Archaeological Museum, highlighting its main sources and the find contexts within the Siena area.
Artworks
head of the so-called Pseudo-Seneca
In 1930 in Siena a sculptural head was found, initially mistaken for Seneca. Several theories suggest that it represents Greek poets, such as Hesiod, and dates back to the 1st century A.D.
In 1930 in Siena a sculptural head was found, initially mistaken for Seneca. Several theories suggest that it represents Greek poets, such as Hesiod, and dates back to the 1st century A.D.
Urn of Larth Sentinate Cumere
The urn, belonging to the family tomb of the Sentinate Cumere, shows the deceased semi-reclining on the kline. On the casket is depicted the recognition between the two siblings, children of Agamemnon, Iphigenia and Orestes in Tauris.
The urn, belonging to the family tomb of the Sentinate Cumere, shows the deceased semi-reclining on the kline. On the casket is depicted the recognition between the two siblings, children of Agamemnon, Iphigenia and Orestes in Tauris.
Urn of the tomb of the Sentinate Cumere
The urn, belonging to the tomb of the Sentinate Cumere, bears on its casket a recumbent male; on the casket a scene is depicted that has been variously interpreted: the traditional reading of the two warriors supported by companions as a depiction of the dying Eteocles and Polynices has been called into question by the presence of the lightning bolt.
The urn, belonging to the tomb of the Sentinate Cumere, bears on its casket a recumbent male; on the casket a scene is depicted that has been variously interpreted: the traditional reading of the two warriors supported by companions as a depiction of the dying Eteocles and Polynices has been called into question by the presence of the lightning bolt.
Bucchero amphora 'heavy'
The amphora, of reddish-brown coloration ('bucchero rosso'), comes from a tomb discovered in the locality of Querce al Pino in Chiusi. The body of the vessel is decorated with a stamped band with sphinxes leaning to the left; on the shoulder there are ridges with hanging droplet motifs. On the rim, opposite the handles, are modeled female heads. The tomb's grave goods also included another similar amphora and two hydriae.
The amphora, of reddish-brown coloration ('bucchero rosso'), comes from a tomb discovered in the locality of Querce al Pino in Chiusi. The body of the vessel is decorated with a stamped band with sphinxes leaning to the left; on the shoulder there are ridges with hanging droplet motifs. On the rim, opposite the handles, are modeled female heads. The tomb's grave goods also included another similar amphora and two hydriae.
Winged axe
Axe found near Porta Pispini in Siena, dating to the Final Bronze Age, a period that also produced the oldest traces of human presence in the city. The blade is characterized by very concave edges; it is the only one remaining from a hoard that originally contained seven axes in total.
Axe found near Porta Pispini in Siena, dating to the Final Bronze Age, a period that also produced the oldest traces of human presence in the city. The blade is characterized by very concave edges; it is the only one remaining from a hoard that originally contained seven axes in total.
Stele "horseshoe-shaped"
Etruscan “horseshoe” stele in travertine, inscribed, dating to the late Archaic period, found in the locality of Toiano in Sovicille (SI). The stele is characterized by unmistakable Volterran features and was originally worked on both sides, now partially worn away by the elements. The discovery context is a hypogeal tomb with a central chamber and three chambers open on the sides, inside which, in addition to the stele, other grave goods were preserved.
Etruscan “horseshoe” stele in travertine, inscribed, dating to the late Archaic period, found in the locality of Toiano in Sovicille (SI). The stele is characterized by unmistakable Volterran features and was originally worked on both sides, now partially worn away by the elements. The discovery context is a hypogeal tomb with a central chamber and three chambers open on the sides, inside which, in addition to the stele, other grave goods were preserved.
Kylix overpainted with black varnish
The kylix was found together with other materials inside a small funerary cluster near Porta S. Marco (Siena, SI), in tombs probably dating to the late-Orientalizing, Archaic, and Hellenistic periods. Dated to the 4th century B.C., it is characterized by a cylindrical support and a trombiform foot, while the handle attachment is of the rod type. The red overpainted decoration is devoted to a scene placed in the inner tondo, rendered with a braided border, in which a long-bearded satyr attempts to snatch a maenad; alongside them are a calyx krater and a thyrsus. The handles are externally decorated with a palmette vegetal motif.
The kylix was found together with other materials inside a small funerary cluster near Porta S. Marco (Siena, SI), in tombs probably dating to the late-Orientalizing, Archaic, and Hellenistic periods. Dated to the 4th century B.C., it is characterized by a cylindrical support and a trombiform foot, while the handle attachment is of the rod type. The red overpainted decoration is devoted to a scene placed in the inner tondo, rendered with a braided border, in which a long-bearded satyr attempts to snatch a maenad; alongside them are a calyx krater and a thyrsus. The handles are externally decorated with a palmette vegetal motif.
Black-glazed ceramic
Assemblage of black-gloss pottery of the Volterrano type, found in the small necropolis of Campansi (northern Siena) dated to the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE. Composed largely of oinochoai (small jugs), plates, oil lamps, bowls and cups. Among the oinochoai present are some types with a ribbed body and handle, with an attachment in the form of a female protome.
Assemblage of black-gloss pottery of the Volterrano type, found in the small necropolis of Campansi (northern Siena) dated to the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE. Composed largely of oinochoai (small jugs), plates, oil lamps, bowls and cups. Among the oinochoai present are some types with a ribbed body and handle, with an attachment in the form of a female protome.
Cinerary urn
Alabaster urn from Sarteano, dated 225–200 B.C. The body is carved in low relief with the myth of Cacus and the Vibenna, at the moment when the two Vibenna brothers strike an attack against the protagonist, shown, according to tradition, in the act of playing a lyre and accompanied by Artile. The figure of Cacus is not well known; he was probably a seer, but sources are rare due to the absence of a literary testimonies of the myth.
Alabaster urn from Sarteano, dated 225–200 B.C. The body is carved in low relief with the myth of Cacus and the Vibenna, at the moment when the two Vibenna brothers strike an attack against the protagonist, shown, according to tradition, in the act of playing a lyre and accompanied by Artile. The figure of Cacus is not well known; he was probably a seer, but sources are rare due to the absence of a literary testimonies of the myth.
Cinerary urn tomb Sentinate Cumae, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus
Alabaster urn from the tomb of the Sentinate Cumere in Sarteano, dated 220-200 B.C. On the casket is depicted the killing of Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus by her son Orestes, aided by his friend Pylades. In the Greek myth, which enjoyed wide popularity in Etruscan iconography, Orestes avenges his father's death by matricide, an act ordered by Clytemnestra herself. Orestes and Pylades advance, seizing the victims' hair with their left hands while brandishing the sword with their right. This iconographic scheme is repeated on many urns.
Alabaster urn from the tomb of the Sentinate Cumere in Sarteano, dated 220-200 B.C. On the casket is depicted the killing of Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus by her son Orestes, aided by his friend Pylades. In the Greek myth, which enjoyed wide popularity in Etruscan iconography, Orestes avenges his father's death by matricide, an act ordered by Clytemnestra herself. Orestes and Pylades advance, seizing the victims' hair with their left hands while brandishing the sword with their right. This iconographic scheme is repeated on many urns.
Cinerary urn tomb Sentinate Cumere, Hippolytus
An alabaster urn from Sarteano, dated 200–175 B.C. Shown in low relief on the body is the death of the young Hippolytus: this episode of the Greek myth was of great interest in Chiusi, where urns with this subject began to be produced in the 3rd century B.C. The viewer's attention is directed toward the traumatic nature of the sudden event. In all depictions the rearing and overturned chariot is shown, while the horses that pulled it flee in all directions, frightened by the arrival of the bull.
An alabaster urn from Sarteano, dated 200–175 B.C. Shown in low relief on the body is the death of the young Hippolytus: this episode of the Greek myth was of great interest in Chiusi, where urns with this subject began to be produced in the 3rd century B.C. The viewer's attention is directed toward the traumatic nature of the sudden event. In all depictions the rearing and overturned chariot is shown, while the horses that pulled it flee in all directions, frightened by the arrival of the bull.
Pairs of fibulae from tombs near the locality of Rosia
Three pairs of navicella, sanguisuga and arch-type fibulae decorated with little ducks were found in pit graves (dated late 8th–early 7th century B.C.) in the locality of Rosia in Sovicille (SI) and attest to a settlement in the area, probably made up of small villages from the late Iron Age.
Three pairs of navicella, sanguisuga and arch-type fibulae decorated with little ducks were found in pit graves (dated late 8th–early 7th century B.C.) in the locality of Rosia in Sovicille (SI) and attest to a settlement in the area, probably made up of small villages from the late Iron Age.
Dolii (large jars) in terracotta
Dolii (large terracotta jars) from the locality Pieve al Bozzone (SI), where 19th-century excavations brought to light a large building in use in the Roman period, probably from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Coins, other ceramic material, fragments of painted plaster, mosaic tesserae and a fragment of a small clay urn and some bronze objects were also found, the latter dating to the Etruscan period.
Dolii (large terracotta jars) from the locality Pieve al Bozzone (SI), where 19th-century excavations brought to light a large building in use in the Roman period, probably from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Coins, other ceramic material, fragments of painted plaster, mosaic tesserae and a fragment of a small clay urn and some bronze objects were also found, the latter dating to the Etruscan period.
Attic black-figure amphora
Also known as “Griccioli amphora”, this black-figure amphora was produced in Athens around 530 B.C. and was discovered in the Campassini locality (SI) as part of the funerary equipment of a member of the Monteriggioni aristocracy. On one side an armed warrior is depicted in the act of mounting a chariot, while on the other Sileni and Maenads are shown celebrating around the altar of Dionysus.
Also known as “Griccioli amphora”, this black-figure amphora was produced in Athens around 530 B.C. and was discovered in the Campassini locality (SI) as part of the funerary equipment of a member of the Monteriggioni aristocracy. On one side an armed warrior is depicted in the act of mounting a chariot, while on the other Sileni and Maenads are shown celebrating around the altar of Dionysus.
Askos with red figures
Container for ointments in the shape of a duck, belonging to the Clusium Volaterrae group, dates back to the 4th century B.C. Only the rear part remains preserved, in which the feather decoration indicates the shape of this container, while the depiction of the nude female figure indicates that the use of these ointments was reserved for women. This askos was found inside tomb I at the Grotti necropolis, in the municipality of Monteroni d'Arbia (SI).
Container for ointments in the shape of a duck, belonging to the Clusium Volaterrae group, dates back to the 4th century B.C. Only the rear part remains preserved, in which the feather decoration indicates the shape of this container, while the depiction of the nude female figure indicates that the use of these ointments was reserved for women. This askos was found inside tomb I at the Grotti necropolis, in the municipality of Monteroni d'Arbia (SI).
Red-figure kylix
Dated to the 4th century BC, only a quarter of the basin remains with its corresponding handle. In the central medallion a young nude is depicted holding a staff in his left hand; his left outstretched arm is covered by a pleated cloak. The Etruscan craftsman placed his signature on the boy's left leg; from the name it is deduced that he was an unfree man.
Dated to the 4th century BC, only a quarter of the basin remains with its corresponding handle. In the central medallion a young nude is depicted holding a staff in his left hand; his left outstretched arm is covered by a pleated cloak. The Etruscan craftsman placed his signature on the boy's left leg; from the name it is deduced that he was an unfree man.
Pot overpainted with red paint
Jar of light clay reassembled from fragments and painted with red varnish decorations after firing. It dates to the mid-4th century B.C. and was found inside tomb 3 in the necropolis of Grotti (Monteroni d'Arbia, SI). The jar is entirely decorated: on the body stylized floral motifs were painted alternating with stylized vertical tree-like motifs, and lotus flowers are added in the lower band beneath these motifs.
Jar of light clay reassembled from fragments and painted with red varnish decorations after firing. It dates to the mid-4th century B.C. and was found inside tomb 3 in the necropolis of Grotti (Monteroni d'Arbia, SI). The jar is entirely decorated: on the body stylized floral motifs were painted alternating with stylized vertical tree-like motifs, and lotus flowers are added in the lower band beneath these motifs.
Box-shaped earring
Made of gold, it belongs to a type of earring common in the Etruscan world during the Archaic period. It was found inside a tomb, previously looted, at the locality of Santa Colomba (Monteriggioni, SI). The decoration is granulation; the folded outer sheet contains the various decorative motifs, and laterally the palmette is bounded by two buttons.
Made of gold, it belongs to a type of earring common in the Etruscan world during the Archaic period. It was found inside a tomb, previously looted, at the locality of Santa Colomba (Monteriggioni, SI). The decoration is granulation; the folded outer sheet contains the various decorative motifs, and laterally the palmette is bounded by two buttons.
Small olpe with black glaze, red-figure oinochoe and black-glazed oinochoe
Small black-glazed olpe, a red-figure oinochoe and a black-glazed overpainted oinochoe from the Hellenistic period, found near the locality Coroncina (SI), possibly part of the burial goods of an isolated tomb located there. The red-figure oinochoe belongs to the group called "Torcop", a production of ceramic vessels that reached Tuscany by sea, also found at Cerveteri and Populonia.
Small black-glazed olpe, a red-figure oinochoe and a black-glazed overpainted oinochoe from the Hellenistic period, found near the locality Coroncina (SI), possibly part of the burial goods of an isolated tomb located there. The red-figure oinochoe belongs to the group called "Torcop", a production of ceramic vessels that reached Tuscany by sea, also found at Cerveteri and Populonia.