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Identity, Mission and Organization of the Archaeological Museum of Finale

International Institute of Ligurian Studies – Finale Section

The International Institute of Ligurian Studies (IISL) is a nationally recognized research institution dedicated to the study and promotion of Liguria’s archaeological, historical, and natural heritage.

The Finale Section of the IISL is one of the institute’s most active and productive branches, with a long tradition of research focused on the Finale area and its exceptional prehistoric and historical heritage.

Mission e vision

L’interesse scientifico per il territorio del Finalese – l’area compresa tra Bergeggi, Pietra Ligure e lo spartiacque montano – affonda le sue radici nella metà dell’Ottocento. Infatti a partire dal 1850, la regione divenne un polo d’attrazione per i pionieri della nascente Paletnologia. Studiosi come Arturo Issel, Nicolò Morelli e Giovanni Battista Amerano esplorarono circa trenta siti, concentrandosi in particolare sulle numerose cavità naturali del territorio.

In quel periodo la mancanza di una struttura locale fece sì che migliaia di reperti finissero sul mercato antiquario o confluissero nelle grandi collezioni pubbliche di Genova, Torino e Roma. La svolta avvenne grazie all’impegno di Giovanni Andrea Silla, che insieme all’archeologo Nino Lamboglia, promosse la nascita di una raccolta civica. Il 27 ottobre 1931 fu ufficialmente istituito il Museo Civico di Finalmarina, inaugurato poi nel 1935 presso Palazzo Ghiglieri.

L'evoluzione e la sede attuale

Dalla sua fondazione, l’istituzione ha ampliato costantemente i propri ambiti di ricerca, estendendo l’indagine dall’epoca preistorica a quella romana e medievale. Alla fine degli anni ’70, la crescita delle collezioni ha reso necessario il trasferimento da Palazzo Ghiglieri a Finalmarina presso il Complesso Monumentale di Santa Caterina a Finalborgo. L’attuale denominazione, Museo Archeologico del Finale (MAF), sottolinea la centralità della ricerca archeologica e il valore scientifico delle raccolte ospitate.

Identity and Institutional Purpose

The Archaeological Museum of Finale is a permanent, non-profit public institution dedicated to the cultural and civic development of the local community. Its primary mission is to preserve, study, and promote the tangible and intangible heritage of the town of Finale Ligure and its surrounding area.

The museum’s activities are centered on interpreting human presence in the Finale region throughout history. Through the study of archaeological finds, the museum provides visitors with the knowledge and critical tools needed to understand the transformation of the landscape and the diversity of the cultures that have succeeded one another over time.

Mission and Areas of Activity

The museum’s mission encompasses several complementary areas, ranging from academic research to public engagement:

Education and Learning: The museum serves as an educational centre for learners of all ages, offering programs that combine hands-on experiences with the study of history and archaeology. It also hosts university internships, undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, and doctoral research.
Research and Collaborations: Working closely with universities and offices of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the museum carries out research in archaeology, natural sciences, and art history, ensuring the continuous advancement of knowledge.
Heritage Protection: The museum acts as a consultant for public authorities and private organizations on matters relating to environmental protection and archaeological risk assessment, promoting the responsible management of the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Public Engagement: In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and publishing projects aimed at making the results of scientific research accessible to a broad and diverse audience.

Attività Scientifiche e Servizi

Il funzionamento del Museo è garantito da una gestione rigorosa che comprende l’acquisizione, la catalogazione e lo studio costante dei materiali. Ogni iniziativa è improntata a criteri di qualità e trasparenza, con l’obiettivo di offrire alla comunità scientifica e ai visitatori un punto di riferimento autorevole e costantemente aggiornato sulla storia del Finalese.

Governance

Owner

Municipality of Finale Ligure

Collections

State Collections, Municipal Collections, and the International Institute of Ligurian Studies

Managing Institution

Finale Section of the International Institute of Ligurian Studies

Staff

President of the Managing Institution

Prof. Giovanni Murialdo

Directors

Prof. Daniele Arobba (Archaeobotanist)

Dr. Elisa Bianchi (Archaeologist)

Curator, Head of External Activities and MAF Communications

Ms. Manuela Saccone

Head of Education and Museum Educator

Dr. Livia Camilla Clementi (Archaeologist)

Digital Curator, Social Media Manager, SBN Cataloguer and Museum Educator

Dr. Silvia Caffarone (Archaeologist)

Museum Educator

Dr. Beatrice Bortoletti

SBN Cataloguer and Museum Educator

Arch. Eugenia Murialdo (Architect)

Administrative Secretary and Head of MUDIF Communications

Transparency

In accordance with the principles of transparency and public access to information, the museum makes the institutional documents governing its activities and operations available to the public.

Articles of Incorporation

Founding document of the institution.