A Medieval Multimedia Experience In Padua
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If you are heading for Padua this year to see the Giotto frescoes in the Cappella degli Scrovegni, for the first, or -- why not, the nth -- time, do check out the brand-new Wiegand Multimedia Center.

The idea for the multi-media center developed while the chapel was officially closed for restoration. In order not to deprive visitors of the chance to see the frescoes altogether, arrangements were made for groups to climb the scaffolding and see the work taking place close-up. Such was the enthusiasm of those lucky enough to have this experience that it was decided to find a way in which everyone coming to see the murals could also have a similar opportunity.
At this point, the ultimate in 21st-century high technology came to the rescue of the ultimate in 14th-century high culture, along with financial help from the Nevada-based Wiegand Foundation, which had already sponsored restoration work at the city's Botanical Garden. (This is, if you did not know, the oldest in the world, having been founded in 1545).

Officially opened on March 25, which is also the 700th anniversary of the opening of the chapel built by Enrico Scrovegni to help ensure that his father found a place in heaven -- despite the fact that he had been a loan-shark -- the multimedia center will surely enhance the experience of the 300,000 visitors who come from all over the world every year to see the paintings in the chapel. In addition to a video presentation, there are six inter-active workstations where one can examine close-ups of the frescoes, and explore other aspects of this magnificent work.

Admission to the Multimedia center is 9 Euro, while the visit to the Scrovegni chapel costs 11 Euro. Visiting hours are: daily from 09.00-19.00. If you are staying in Padova overnight between now and June 7 -- and it is well worthwhile doing so, for there is much to see in the city -- you might like to plan an evening visit to the Cappella Scrovegni. A 15-minute visit costs 7.50 Euro and is available daily from 19.00-22.00.

By Roberta Kedzierski, Milan


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