On Sunday November 13th, we had a very successful opening for the Cabinet of Curiosities of the Accademia di Melioria, a representation of the kind of collection exhibit rooms that were popular with European intellectuals and learned societies from the 16th to the early 18th centuries, and which were the forerunners of modern museums.

As you go though the exhibit, which is located on the second floor of the Accademia building on the main piazza in the village, you will find a diverse mix of objects associated with subjects such as the natural sciences, art, history, technology and archaeology--all of which were areas of study that were started or widely promoted during the Enlightenment of the 18th century. They are loosely grouped by categories, but their function is to instruct and delight--in effect, to stimulate your curiosity about the world. As you proceed through the exhibit, you may touch any object or art work to receive a notecard which will provide some information, sometimes from a modern perspective, and sometimes through commentary of 18th century thinkers such as Diderot, Edward Gibbon, Voltaire, or Buffon.

It is only partially meant to be a representation of what you would find in an actual cabinet of curiosities in the 18th century: to some extent many of the objects are typical of what was collected and displayed, but there are also pieces that reflect a particular aspect of the history we have invented for Melioria, and/or a particular interest of one of our exhibit organizers or contributors, which included Dio Kuhr, Aldo Stern, Sere Timeless, Aria Vyper and Nimue Brezoianu. Over time some things will be taken out and others put in order to keep this interesting. Any Melioria residents or interested friends are welcome to propose objects to be added to the exhibit. We expect the exhibit to be up for 4 to 6 months, with new additions being made monthly.

We wish to thank those who contributed ideas and objects for the gallery, and to all the gracious and intellectually engaged guests who joined us for the opening. All of you who attended were an absolute delight to have, and we very much enjoyed your comments and the lively discussions that were inspired by the objects.

updated by @aldo-stern: 06 Oct 2016 06:10:22AM

Truly, this is an exhibition not to be missed!

Visually and educationally, a most exhilarating display, and I look forward to numerous repeat visits.

Congratulations and thank you to the organizers and contributors.

Thank you for your kind words, Signorina. We are gratified that you enjoyed it.

Once again I want to congratulate you ( this time in the right place, ) ) for so great exhibition which nobody should miss.

An impeccable work as usually is organized in Melioria.

Thank you!