Modena’s Civic Museum Hosts Amazonian Cultural Exploration
The Civic Museum of Modena is currently hosting a series of events accompanying the exhibition “Voices, knowledge, heritage. From the Amazon to the Museum,” fostering dialogue around Brazilian Amazonian “Live Museums” and indigenous cultures. The program, running from February to March 2026, caters to diverse audiences, including children, adults, and scholars.
Events for Young Explorers
On February 15th and March 8th, at 4:00 PM, the museum will host an animated reading of “Curupira, the guardian of the Forest” by Manuela Magalhaes, illustrated by Sandro Natalini. This event, designed for children aged 4-8, brings to life the figure of Curupira, a legendary protector of the Amazon rainforest. Following the reading, children will participate in a creative workshop using natural materials like feathers and seeds to create Amazon-inspired ornaments. Booking is mandatory for the workshops, with free participation for minors accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
Critical Perspectives on Collections and History
On February 21st, the museum offers an afternoon of in-depth exploration. At 4:30 PM, Stefano Bulgarelli will present collections from the Horn of Africa, contextualizing them within Italy’s colonial history. At 5:30 PM, Francesca Piccinini will guide visitors through the “Voices, knowledge, heritage. From the Amazon to the Museum” exhibition, highlighting the collaborative efforts with co-curators Elena Righi and Cristiana Zanasi, and the dialogue with Amazonian knowledge centers. This initiative is part of a broader exhibition, “In the shadow of Italian colonialism,” promoted by the Historical Institute of Modena, encouraging a critical examination of the museum’s history and responsibilities.
Movement, Knowledge, and Storytelling
On March 15th, the program combines learning and physical expression. Francesca Piccinini will lead a guided tour at 3:30 PM, focusing on the concept of “self-mapping” and the rights of indigenous communities to represent their territories. From 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, the Roman Lapidary will host a Capoeira Roda curated by Arte Equilibra, led by Instrutor Canário – Aaron Bolognesi and Monitor Guaxinim – Eduardo Nascimento Poletti, with presentations by Simão Amista and Lisa Regina Nicoli. Capoeira, a Brazilian art form combining music, movement, and resistance, will be showcased.
Closing Event: “Stories of Life”
The program concludes on March 21st at 5:00 PM with “Stories of Life,” a performance by Brazilian director and actor Edoardo Landim.
Admission and Reservations
All events are free and open to the public, while space lasts. Reservations are recommended for guided tours and mandatory for children’s workshops. For information and reservations, contact 059 2033101 or email ufficio.museocivico@comune.modena.it. The events take place at the Civic Museum, Palazzo dei Musei, Largo Porta Sant’Agostino 337, Modena.
The Museo Civico di Modena also offers a new integrated ticket for access to the Civic Museum, Avia Pervia, and Estense Gallery.