It was not enough for the wealthy and educated noblemen and merchants of Europe to display their money, influence, and power, they also wished to show off their erudition and good taste. One of the ways that they began to do this was with the Cabinet of Curiosities, or Wunderkammer. Developed in the 16th century, though more rudimentary sorts of private collections had existed among such people earlier, these were rooms of collections of items that showcased an interest in art, learning, and the natural world. Objects that were part of such collections ranged from prints and drawings to books and manuscripts, from taxidermied animals and bones to shells and stones. The wealthier had larger and more elaborate collections in bigger rooms while less wealthy individuals had smaller amounts of objects in studies or even cases or cabinets. A form of entertainment, in addition to being an indicator of socioeconomic status, these collections were shown off to friends, guests, and business partners when visitors were over.
With the dawning of more official museums, many such collections were dissolved and sent to public institutions or sold. As such, this eccentric and eclectic form of display largely fell out of favour in order to make way for the more organised and standardised methods employed by professionals. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are interested in experiencing the sensory overload and highly personal curation of a cabinet of curiosities for yourself, there is one to be viewed in town; the Theatrum Mundi.
With the dawning of more official museums, many such collections were dissolved and sent to public institutions or sold. As such, this eccentric and eclectic form of display largely fell out of favour in order to make way for the more organised and standardised methods employed by professionals. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are interested in experiencing the sensory overload and highly personal curation of a cabinet of curiosities for yourself, there is one to be viewed in town; the Theatrum Mundi.
The Theatrum Mundi is actually a much more modern creation but follows in the footsteps of the cabinets of curiosities of old and does a good job of recreating what it might have been like to have been an aristocrat visiting a friend and being shown around their private collection of objects. Created in 2015 by Luca Cableri in a gallery in Arezzo in a highly dynamic antiques district in the region, this 21st century example is Cableri's tribute to the old practice. Displayed in a gallery inside a former theatre building that dates back to the 16th century, the collection is shown in beautiful, vaulted, dimly-lit rooms with wall paintings of battles by the Renaissance painter Teofilo Torri. Spotlights and backlit displays highlight the objects in the collection, which are even more eclectic and varied than the pieces that were displayed in historic wunderkammer. Alongside the skull of a triceratops, a pterodactyl, and two complete dinosaur skeletons that are displayed as if they are fighting each other, there are costumes and props from movies such Star Wars, Alien, Batman, and The Mask, fragments of lunar rocks and Soviet and Russian spacesuits, erotic and magic objects from Inuit and Papuan cultures, and much more besides. As a result, it is a refreshing museum experience that is less ordered and separated and more surprising and varied.
In addition to the undeniably fascinating permanent collection that is on display, different thematic exhibitions are held in the Theatrum Mundi each year, with wonder and imagination guiding Cableri and the gallery to constantly delight, surprise, and entertain visitors. As a result, one can never know quite what to expect from this extraordinary space, making a trip all the more exciting! Only open to the public by appointment, these can readily be scheduled by calling or emailing ahead and arranging it with the museum. A must-see for museum-lovers and those interested in Tuscany's most unique experiences, be sure to pop into this special gem if you have found a villa with pool in Arezzo and are spending time in the area.
Theatrum Mundi
Via Andrea Cesalpino, 20, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
info@tmundi.com
+39 0575 354078
In addition to the undeniably fascinating permanent collection that is on display, different thematic exhibitions are held in the Theatrum Mundi each year, with wonder and imagination guiding Cableri and the gallery to constantly delight, surprise, and entertain visitors. As a result, one can never know quite what to expect from this extraordinary space, making a trip all the more exciting! Only open to the public by appointment, these can readily be scheduled by calling or emailing ahead and arranging it with the museum. A must-see for museum-lovers and those interested in Tuscany's most unique experiences, be sure to pop into this special gem if you have found a villa with pool in Arezzo and are spending time in the area.
Theatrum Mundi
Via Andrea Cesalpino, 20, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
info@tmundi.com
+39 0575 354078
