The Chimaera of Arezzo, a 2,400-year-old Etruscan bronze sculpture of a mythical fire-breathing monster, has been reinstalled in a new dedicated gallery at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze (MAF) in Florence. The installation is part of a major museum renovation—the first since the catastrophic 1966 Florence flood—which includes refitted galleries, a new conservation lab, improved accessibility, and upgraded infrastructure funded by the European Union's PNRR plan.
The renovation, scheduled for completion in 2026 for the flood's 60th anniversary, aims to protect the museum's collections and enhance visitor engagement. Director Daniele Federico Maras emphasizes a people-centered approach, using artifacts to connect present-day audiences with the past. The project underscores Florence's commitment to expanding appreciation for its cultural heritage beyond the Renaissance, highlighting the enduring significance of Etruscan art and the museum's role in preserving it for future generations.