I didn’t even remember that the Hermitage had a significant Etruscan collection, but it sure does, and it’s going on display at a Tuscan museum this September.

One of the most notable artifacts on display is a unique bronze funerary urn in the shape of a reclining youth. It is literally the only known bronze Etruscan funerary urn, and it is a beauty:

It was discovered in Perugia in 1842 and purchased by Tsar Alexander II in 1861. Many of the other pieces in he exhibit were also bought by Alexander II.

This is sure to bring all kinds of fresh attention to a hidden gem of a museum. The Etruscan Academy Museum has really gone all out for the exhibit.

The MAEC is opening seven new rooms for the occasion and also starting a major new archaeological project with the Hermitage Foundation Italy to uncover more of the ancient glory dotted around the city.

The Cortona museum boasts one of Italy’s most interesting Etruscan collections including one of the longest inscriptions in Etruscan, which is still largely undeciphered.

They don’t have much of a web presence — an all too common problem I’ve encountered with historical sites — but you can still get a sense of what an amazing collection the museum hosts, not to mention the associated archaeological park. Etruscan Academy Museum.