The Riace Bronzes 50 years from their discovery on that 16 August 1972 off the coast of Riace in Italy’s southern region of Calabria when, following a report by a diver, the Carabinieri unearthed two unique statues: the Riace Bronzes.
Two icons, and probably part of a complex group of bronze sculptures, whose images would soon go around the world, opening up new and unprecedented scenarios in the study of Magna Graecia and beyond.
A new UNESCO World Heritage site
Legends, heroes and warriors, the Riace Bronzes are still shrouded in mystery, and with their sculptural perfection have become the symbol of Magna Graecia, Calabria and the Mediterranean. Recently nominated as a UNESCO heritage site, fifty years after their discovery, the Riace Bronzes will be the protagonists this year of a new narrative of contemporary, sustainable and innovative Calabria. A story to be told in Italy and around the world through a series of events promoted by the Calabria Region.
Discovered on 16 August 1972
On 16 August, the date of the discovery, the Municipality of Reggio Calabria will pay tribute to the bronzes with an evocative video mapping installation on the facade of Reggio Calabria’s museum. For the entire summer the central Corso Garibaldi street will become the setting for an open-air exhibition of public archaeology dedicated to the discovery of the Bronzes.
A new emotional video and website
The city of Riace will also be transformed into a stage on 16 August, with the celebrations at the site of the discovery opening with The Dawn of the Bronzes and concluding with The Night of the Riace Bronzes with a celebratory photo exhibition, a conference on historical and cultural studies, concerts and musical events. The Calabria Region has also launched its new emotional video and a new website for discovering not only the Riace Bronzes but the entire Magna Grecia region. www.bronzi50.it
ph credits Federico Neri
