The "cangiante" (iridescent) Museum
The Museum at the Palazzo della Dogana dei Grani, in Atripalda plays the original role of "temporary custodian" to all those findings saved from sacking and deterioration that would follow the terrible earthquake that devastated Irpinia in 1980.
Its exhibits, therefore, present a momentary and constantly iridescent nature, before the artefacts are returned to the community they came from.
History of the Museum
Above the main square in Atripalda, the Dogana dei Grani played an important role during the Bourbon reign, especially with regard to the sale of grain from Puglia as well as being home to the weekly market and annual fairs.
Built in 1883 by Gaetano Romano's construction company, from a project by the engineer Carmine Biancardi, the current-day Palazzo della Dogana has served numerous purposes from the 1950s onwards: as a cinema, bus depot and school.
Over the years, the building underwent a number of different structural updates that changed its original architectural appearance each time, depending on what it was to be used for.
In 1993, the Dogana dei Grani was converted into an "Archaeological Container Museum" to house the historical artistic artefacts recovered locally following the 1980 earthquake, in order to avoid the works of art being lost, stolen or ruined.
The museum is temporarily hosting these artefacts that, overtime, are being gradually returned to their original communities. The museum's exhibiting role is to host exhibitions organised by the authorities, suggested by other institutions or private individuals that, evaluated by the Management Board, supervisory body for the cultural significance of the events, play the temporary role.
Heritage
Two significant aspects of the Palace are the Atripalda coat of arms, placed at the entrance, and its clock, with metal hands and two bells.
