The first volcanological observatory in the world, today the historic headquarters of the Naples section of the INGV, obtained recognition as a site of international historical significance for physics from the European Physical Society. On this occasion, on Saturday 23 May at 12.00, the Reale Osservatorio Vesuviano reopens its doors to the public, after a period of restoration, and inaugurates the new museum structure
Unique event. On Saturday 23 May, the Royal Vesuvius Observatory, now the historic site of the Naples section of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), reopens its doors after 12 months of intense renovation and restoration work. The occasion, also the inclusion among the historical places of International Physics by the European Physical Society (EPS), a prestigious recognition for a milestone in the history of Italian physics and volcanology. Founded 174 years ago by Ferdinand II of Bourbon to study the activity of the volcano continuously and inaugurated exactly 170 years ago (1845) with the prestigious 'Congress of Scientists in Naples', the first volcanological observatory in the world, located at 608 meters between Ercolano and Torre del Greco (in the Municipality of Ercolano), in 2001 it became an integral part of the Naples section of INGV.
Letters, telegrams, field notebooks, instruments and equipment that were used to study volcanoes, often designed and commissioned by scientists who worked at the Observatory, such as Melloni, Palmieri, are just some of the unique collections in the world that will be exhibited at the new museum itinerary. "The activity that will take place from the 23rd onwards will obviously be centered on the Observatory, on its activity, on its technical, scientific and cultural heritage", affirms the director of the Vesuvius Observatory (INGV) Giuseppe De Natale. "even if there will be a great opening towards new scientific and cultural initiatives of a temporary nature".
The recovery of the Observatory's numerous historical and documentary collections, rationalized and integrated into the exhibition itineraries, has made it possible to enrich the educational offer with objects and documents strongly linked to the history of the Vesuvius Observatory and its activities. “Examples of this are the collections of lava medals, the guaches depicting newly restored Vesuvian scenes, the measuring instruments, but also the rich historical and iconographic documentation, which will in part be exhibited and made usable in digital format”, continues De Natale. Among the novelties of the temporary installations, the works of the Students of the Art Academies of Karlsruhe and New York and of the Faculties of Architecture of the ETH of Zurich and of the University of Hamburg, inspired by a visit to the Vesuvius area and the Observatory of the last winter.
"It will be an important day for the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, which has always been attentive to the dissemination of scientific culture in the field of Earth sciences, using volcanoes and the phenomena associated with their activity as a strong attractor", declares the President of the INGV Stefano Gresta. "The opening of the new exhibition layout will bring not only an expansion of the usability of the historical-scientific heritage of the Vesuvian Observatory, but also an enrichment and diversification of the tourist-cultural offer". Among the initiatives scheduled, the inauguration of the bronze bust of Giuseppe Imbò, pioneer of geophysical research in Italy and Director of the Vesuvius Observatory from 1935 to 1970.
Program link: http://bit.ly/1BdPxRV