The guiding goal of the restoration works of the National Archaeological Museum in Reggio Calabria, carried out by Cobar, was the search for an easier access and better usability of the building, the improvement of services, the expansion of the exhibition spaces and the adaptation of its anti-seismic properties, in compliance with specific regulations in place.

This goal was achieved with the following interventions:

– Complete renovation of the three exhibition floors, in compliance with the original spaces;

– Structural consolidation of the entire building to achieve anti-seismic standards in accordance with regulations in place;

– Restructuring of the internal façades, with restoration of all original openings that had been previously walled up;

– Restoration of the external façades;

– Closure of the central courtyard, by means of a light metal structure (based on the “tensegrity” principle) covered with semi-transparent glass sheets that can be walked on, to be used as an atrium and exhibition space for large exhibits; this structure has been devised to provide visitors with a first-hand, outstanding view of the Bronzes already from the ground floor;

– Technological adaptation and integration, in order to offer the greatest thermal-hygrometric comfort to the exhibit spaces and visitors;

– Recovery of the basement and underground floor, to be used as storage rooms, control rooms, laboratories and archives, with a consequent increase in exhibition space;

– Recovery of Hellenistic tombs;

– Restructuring  and integration of vertical connections;

– Integration of all services for the staff and the public;

– Creation of a new catering area on the roof garden, made entirely in metal carpentry.