THE LIGHT IN MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR COMMUNICATING THE MEANING OF ANCIENT REMAINS

Abstract

In this paper, based on research made by the Authors in the Mediterranean area, is highlighted how the use of light in museums can effectively contribute to a better knowledge of the past, giving citizens the opportunity to rediscover their identity and tourists to understand local history and archaeology. The research investigates about the aspects of lighting for archaeological sites or part of them. The charm of an archaeological site or a monument comes from the perception of its whole environmental context, both for functional lighting and artistic valorization. The emphasis is on what should be the most effective lighting system for the monumental sites, one respecting the ruins and the authenticity of the context, bringing at the same time out their architectural, historical and symbolic significance. Achieving this goal requires the involvement not only of purely historical and archaeological disciplines, but also a precise knowledge of technical devices, lighting system, environmental sustainability and related legislation. The cultural value of ancient contexts highlights that the light should be a valuable tool recovering historical memory of cultural heritage. This should be a new way to highlight significance of fragments in compliance of the surrounding, which has not the same characteristics, to signal a visual path, creating itineraries that involve the context. The light, which is emotion, suggestion, evocation, supports the experience of every single visitor. Innovative technological solutions should be designed observing the kind of landscape and morphological characteristics of the site.