Author: Fondazione Barumini

FROM JULY 14, 2026, TO OCTOBER 30, 2026

When creative thought becomes reality, culture transforms into a tool capable of countering violence, breaking down the wall of indifference, and strengthening the values of respect and awareness. This is the message behind “Creative Thinking, Arma Against Violence,” an exhibition that, from July 14 to October 30, 2026, will bring to Barumini’s “Centro Giovanni Lilliu” an artistic and civic journey dedicated to combating all forms of violence, with a particular focus on gender-based violence.

The initiative stems from the collaboration between the Fondazione Barumini Sistema Cultura, the Provincial Carabinieri Command of Cagliari, and the Municipality of Barumini, with the aim of transforming the universal language of art into a tool for reflection, awareness, and prevention.

The works of 14 artists will guide visitors through a journey addressing one of the most sensitive and topical issues in contemporary society. Through different languages, techniques, and sensibilities, the authors depict pain, courage, rebirth, and hope, offering insights that engage the public well beyond the purely artistic dimension.

The exhibition aims to reaffirm that combating violence does not pass solely through the instruments of justice, but also through the growth of a culture grounded in respect, listening, and collective responsibility. In this sense, creative thinking becomes a means to give voice to what too often remains hidden, break the silence, and stimulate active participation from the community.

The exhibition also represents an important example of collaboration between cultural institutions and law enforcement, united by the shared will to promote initiatives that complement the daily work of protecting people with an educational and awareness-raising path aimed at citizens, young people, and families.

Barumini thus confirms its vocation not only as a place of extraordinary historical and archaeological heritage, but also as a space for dialogue on the great issues of the present, where culture becomes an opportunity for conversation, civic growth, and the building of an increasingly aware community.

Enriching the exhibition will be the works of artists Luciano Cabras, Gian Luigi Cau, Emilia Cotza, Laura Cuccu, Daniele D’Addea, Damiano De Luca, Antonezio Frau, Armandino Lecca, Luca Meloni, Valentina Morleo, Simona Mostallino, Giuseppe Piccolo, Dionisio Pinna, and Ivan Tonini, protagonists of a choral artistic project that places creative talent at the service of a universal message: saying “NO” to violence and promoting a culture of respect.

Where: Barumini – Giovanni Lilliu Centre

Opening Hours: 2026 Time Table

Tickets: 2026 Prices

PERMANENT EXHIBITION

The permanent exhibition entitled “Giovanni Lilliu – Stratigraphies of a Life” is the tribute that Barumini has paid to the figure of the illustrious archaeologist and internationally renowned scholar.
The exhibition route, renovated with a scenic restyling in 2025, tells the extraordinary adventure of the archaeologist who left indelible marks on Sardinian history and culture and who provided a fundamental cornerstone to the history of the Nuragic civilization by bringing to light the site of Su Nuraxi, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The exhibition, curated with the contribution of his daughters Caterina and Cecilia Lilliu and the Fondazione Barumini, offers a vision of the great archaeologist’s thought and commitment.
Documents, personal objects, manuscripts, and photographs guide the visitor along his life and work, from his early academic experiences to the discovery of Su Nuraxi, to his commitment to the protection of Sardinia’s heritage and his intense educational and political activities.

Visitors will also be able to see his books, some of which have become true classics of Sardinian archaeological literature. Making the exhibition even more evocative is the presence of a work by the sculptor Costantino Nivola, personally donated to Lilliu, which now finds space within the exhibition thanks to the will of his daughters.

Where: Barumini – Giovanni Lilliu Centre

Opening Hours: 2026 Time Table

Tickets: 2026 Prices

FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2025, TO OCTOBER 19, 2026

Barumini Sistema Cultura Foundation, in collaboration with the Municipality of Barumini, is proud to present the exhibition “Restituzioni: From Looted Heritage to Heritage Restored” at the Giovanni Lilliu Centre.

This important exhibition is more than just a collection of artefacts; it is a compelling journey through time and the collective memory of Sardinia. Through archaeological objects, images, and archival documents, the exhibition tells a story of illicit removals, but above all, one of tenacity, expertise, and successful recovery and restitution to the community.

A Model of Fruitful Collaboration

“Restituzioni” represents an outstanding example of institutional cooperation. The exhibition is the result of a synergy between:

• The Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Cagliari, always on the front line in the fight against illicit trafficking.
• The Superintendencies for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Cagliari and Sassari.
• The Archival Superintendency of Sardinia.
• The Regional Directorate of Museums of Sardinia.
• The National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari.
• The Sanna and Asproni Museums.
• The State Archives of Cagliari and Sassari.

By combining their forces and specific expertise, these institutions have created an exhibition project that goes beyond a simple display, transforming into a powerful message of civic responsibility.

The Value of a Restored Artefact

Every exhibited object is a piece that returns to its rightful place, recomposing the mosaic of our history. The exhibition reminds us that safeguarding archaeological heritage is fundamental to our shared memory and identity. When an artefact is wrested from illegality and returned to the community, it is not merely an “object” that comes back, but a symbol of resilience and a piece of our collective soul.

An Invitation to Discover and Participate

Visiting “Restituzioni” is therefore an act of awareness. It is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the importance of the work done to protect our heritage and to understand how every citizen can become an active guardian of their own culture.

The exhibition was presented in the presence of the highest-ranking civil and military authorities engaged in heritage protection, including General Francesco Rizzo, Commander of the Carabinieri in Sardinia; Superintendents Elena Anna Boldetti and Monica Stochino; and Francesco Muscolino, Director of the National Museums of Cagliari.

Where: Barumini – Giovanni Lilliu Centre

Opening Hours: 2026 Time Table

Tickets: 2026 Prices