A window to the past
The gentleman who will greet you until the end of May as you pass by the window of the space at Carrarina ulica 4 street in Pula is Giorgio Edmondo Pons, the first librarian of the City Library and one of the first directors of the City Museum.
In a hidden corner of the Archaeological Museum of Istria in Pula, a framed portrait of Giorgio Edmondo Pons (1861-1922) was discovered. Today, this somewhat forgotten figure from Pula, who lived and worked at the turn of the 19th to 20th century, left an indelible mark on the history of the Museum.
Pons was the first librarian of the City Library, one of the first directors of the City Museum, and an active participant in numerous cultural associations. He also served as the inspector of municipal guards, ensuring public order and safety in Pula.
Through comprehensive research, which includes archival documents, newspaper articles, and scarce literature, the exhibition curators have uncovered the fascinating story of his life, work, and lasting contributions. His leadership of both the museum and library stands out as a particularly significant achievement.
The available literature on him is limited, with biographical details drawn from civil registry books and burial registers. Additional sources for exploring his life and work include the archival collections of the City Museum of Pula, reports published in the institution's first journal, "Atti del Museo Civico della Città di Pola", as well as news from local newspapers of the time in Pula and Istria. Documentation about his family villa was also discovered in the archive for the architectural heritage of the City of Pula.
The exhibition "The Secret of a Portrait" offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the life and legacy of one of Pula’s important yet forgotten historical figures, whose contributions left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural life.
Accessibility for visitors with disabilities:
Gallery Sveta Srca, C8, and Amfiteatar are fully equipped with elevators and ramps, ensuring convenient access for individuals with disabilities to all areas of the galleries.
