The Ostiense Museum, originally inaugurated in 1934 and reorganized in 1962, reopened on July 10, 2024, after over sixty years and an extended closure. Fully redesigned, the museum now prioritizes accessibility and visitor engagement through interactive multimedia features like videos and touchscreens.

The exhibition is divided into seven thematic sections across twelve rooms, covering topics such as the origins of Ostia, imperial power, civic life, religion, burial practices, and domestic architecture. Highlights include the Via della Foce sanctuary and funerary finds from Isola Sacra.

Over one hundred artifacts were carefully restored, with modern supports indicating missing parts instead of reconstructing them—encouraging visitors to imagine their original forms.

In this lecture, you will learn about the museum’s renewed curatorial approach and its commitment to preserving historical integrity. We will explore the stories behind some of the most significant artifacts, reconnecting them with their archaeological contexts, and share insights into recent discoveries that continue to enrich our understanding of ancient Ostia.

By tracing the transformation of the museum and examining the relationship between past and present curatorial practices, this presentation will also invite broader reflections on how cultural heritage can be made more relevant and engaging to contemporary audiences while remaining faithful to its historical foundations.

Dr. Livia Galante is esteemed not only for her extensive archaeological expertise but also for her infectious enthusiasm for the ancient world, earning her the affectionate moniker “Queen of Ostia” among those who have witnessed her animate the remnants of Rome's celebrated port city. With a Doctorate in Archaeology from La Sapienza, Livia has distinguished herself by her ability to breathe life into long-silenced narratives, captivating audiences as she deftly unveils the history etched into Ostia's enigmatic ruins.

More than an academic, Livia embodies a unique synergy of Italian heritage, scholarly rigor, and an unyielding desire to impart the sheer beauty of antiquity to others. Her teaching style is woven with a passion that extends beyond mere facts, encouraging students to engage deeply and personally with the past. Through her guidance, the once vibrant city of Ostia is reimagined, offering new voices and perspectives to learners eager to uncover the dynamic interplay of history and modernity.