Abstract

This contribution reconstructs the history of the non-permanent displays of Nemi’s ships, during their archaeological excavation (1928-1935). The idea of a building to recover the archaeological artifacts arouse as soon as it was decided to empty the lake to start the excavations, but it was not clear whether it would have been just a shelter or would have included other functions. The difficult process of approval and founding eventually led to the museum that we see today. Provisional structures and preliminary projects may have determined some modes of the ships’ display and visit. At the same time, the media campaign that celebrated the excavation determined a certain way of viewing the artifacts. Thus, it is argued that these elements contributed to the formation of the architectural and display project of the permanent museum.