The National Archaeological Museum of Paestum holds one of the most extensive collections of ancient funerary paintings, preserved in its storerooms. These remarkable works date back to the time of Lucanian rule. With over a hundred painted tombs, the collection represents a unique heritage. Due to the delicate nature of the materials and the effects of time, these artworks require ongoing monitoring and carefully planned restoration to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The main issues affecting the paintings include cracks and gaps on the decorated surfaces, the detachment of painted plaster from the underlying limestone, and erosion of the stone itself, often resulting in material loss.
To prevent further deterioration, it is essential to detect these problems early through regular inspections of the storerooms, and to respond promptly with targeted treatments—such as consolidation, reattachment of layers, and careful reintegration of missing material. These interventions must be carried out by skilled conservators, using compatible materials and in full accordance with the ethical and scientific standards of restoration.
By supporting the conservation campaign for the Lucanian slabs, you will help safeguard the beauty and integrity of Paestum’s funerary paintings, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
HOW TO DONATE
Make a bank or postal transfer
Iban IT16Y0834276140004010045070
Payment reference: “ADOTTA UNA LASTRA DEL PARCO ARCHEOLOGICO NAZIONALE DI PAESTUM”. Please include your tax code or VAT number (if applicable).
You will receive the official Donor Certificate of the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia, two free entries to the Parks, and a guided tour of the museum’s deposits, where hundreds of plates are preserved. Valid until 31/12/2025.
Send an email afterwards to pa-paeve.promozione@cultura.gov.it attaching the payment receipt.
I Parchi archeologici di Paestum e Velia sono un istituto del Ministero della Cultura dotato di autonomia speciale, iscritto dal 1998 nella lista del patrimonio mondiale UNESCO.
The Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia; an institute of the Ministry of Culture, with special autonomy and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
