Rivivere una città antica. Ostia in mostra, 1911-1942

Between 1911 and 1942, while Guido Calza and Italo Gismondi led the excavations at Ostia, five exhibitions were organized to showcase the “revelation” of the ancient city: the Mostra Archeologica (Rome, 1911), Museo dell’Impero Romano (Rome, 1927-1932), the World’s Fair (Chicago, 1933-1934), the Mostra Augustea della Romanità (Rome, 1937-1938), and the Esposizione Universale (Rome, 1942). These exhibitions played a crucial role in revealing Ostia’s buildings, structures, and daily life. Alongside archaeological fragments and models, immersive 1:1 scale installations allowed visitors to experience the ancient city firsthand. This approach culminated in the 1942 project exhibition, which was uniquely set within Ostia’s streets, squares, monuments, and dwellings, transforming the exposition into a living experience. More than just a reconstruction of the past, the goal was to make Ostia tangible and inspire its reinterpretation in future architecture.