Methodological Practice for the Physical and Virtual Reconstruction of “Absent” Museum Goods: Hypotheses for Their Protection, Valorization and Inclusive Dissemination

The present study focuses on the adoption of a methodological approach which can bring enjoyment, in the context of an inclusive society, from “invisible” museum works. Reference is made to the invisible museum heritage, stored in basements not accessible to the public and therefore “hidden”. The specific action involves an meaningful dialogue between the University and the local museums both of whom have entered into formal institutional agreements. The collaboration is based on an interdisciplinary activity where survey, prototyping and technological processes are bound together to bring back to light the different artistic fragments, silent sometimes, but part of the museum collections. The purpose of the research is to develop an appropriate action plan for intervention to boost audience engagement implementing different multidisciplinary strategies. It is necessary then to create with the support of digital technology multi-sensory 3D models designed for a wider audience which includes both non-disabled people who can enjoy the full display (not only the fragments on view in the museum’s rooms also those off display kept in storage) and visually impaired visitors who can have an interactive tactile experience. The architectural-sculptural fragments studied in the present research are kept in the Museo Civico in Noto and belong to the main entrance and to the apse coronation found in the excavation site of the ruins of Ancient Noto annexed to thestructure of San Michele “al Castello”. Hopefully, the applied methodology can contribute to the sustainable protection of those artifacts whose storage in the museum basements often causes further damages.