Il Sistema Museale dell’Università di Pavia ai tempi del coronavirus

The Museum System of the University of Pavia during the coronavirus pandemic After an initial phase of reorganization, the Museums created several “alternative” activities to keep in contact with their public. These include #raccontamuseo an initiative to virtually open museums’ doors during the lockdown. The idea was developed differently according to the exhibits and human skills available in each Museum. The Museum for the History of the University proposed the “Piccole fiabe del lunedì” (literally the “Little tales of Monday”) by combining specially crafted texts and comics, the “Museodì” offered videos to present its collections, as well as texts, lectures and video conferences on the history of medicine. Texts and videos on collections and scientists of the past have also been proposed by the Archaeology and Golgi Museums, offering scientific topics that are often poorly known to the public. Kosmos shot ten zoology videoclips dedicated to the local fauna and to some of the specimens on display at the Museum. These weekly appointments were combined with clips of “science at home” presented by ADMaiora, the company responsible for the didactic activities of Kosmos. Guided tours of the “Sharks. Perfect Predators” temporary exhibition have been transformed into webinar and made available to schools and families. The Botanical Garden has made some agronomic videos and a virtual visit. The BG has also organized a competition of images of flowers cultivated by the participants. The Museum of Electrical Technology has published some videos in presenting the museum’s exhibitions. All these initiatives were disseminated through websites, some social networks and the University’s “Stanze-unipv” video magazine. The inability to access the museum’s specimens and equipment made it necessary to acquire new skills in remote communication. At the end of the lockdown the report figures seem to confirm the validity of the communication choices adopted in stimulating the curiosity of visitors.