Architect as Registrar: when art meets architecture

In the debate for the definition of the registrar role, a relatively recent figure and little known especially in Italy, we meet various professionals from multiple fields who claim the possibility of holding this role. Among these professionals, the figure of the architect seems to be a valid candidate, as she has the necessary skills not only in the field of history and theory of restoration, as well as art and architecture history, but also in the structural field, conservation of materials, technical physics and, of course, exhibition. Therefore, the thesis aims to demonstrate that the specific skills of the architect can be used in museums and in particular to cover this role. The elaborate develops starting from the origins and definitions of the registrar, analyzing the tasks and the various necessary skills, and it individuates specifically three macro-areas of reference: database and cataloging management, which could be effectively managed with BIM software; the management of deposits, where the technical skills and the science of materials come into play; the movement of artworks, which requires structural, conservative and set-up skills, as well as knowledge in the cultural heritage field. The thesis concludes with a survey about the registrar profile that has involved some American and European museums, in which the differences that the role covers in the various countries and institutions are highlighted.