Ethnographic Museum Gambarina
Museum | Alessandria | Piemonte | Italy
The "Museo Etnografico della Gambarina 'C'era una Volta'" in Alessandria is a significant museum that documents the rural culture and crafts of the region. It is located in the "Gambarina Vecchia", a former barracks from the 18th century that is now owned by the city. The exhibition space covers about 1,600 square meters and is spread over two floors.
Exhibitions and Collections
On the ground floor, various aspects of rural life between the 19th and 20th centuries are presented. The exhibition rooms are thematically organized and reconstruct scenes such as birth, children's games, school, kitchen, bedroom, the dowry room, and wedding ceremonies. A special section is dedicated to the two world wars and displays objects, weapons, and household items, mainly from World War I. Additionally, there is a collection of tools and equipment from various craft workshops such as shoemakers, blacksmiths, carpenters, and agricultural production phases.
On the upper floor, there is a reproduction of a classroom from the 1930s and a library with books from the early 19th century. Other collections include dolls and toys from different periods as well as showcases highlighting aspects of Alessandria as a production city over the course of a century.
Educational Programs and Events
The museum regularly organizes workshops, lectures, and cultural events that focus on various aspects of rural culture and crafts. These activities are aimed at schools, families, and the general public, providing the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and traditions of the region.
The "Museo Etnografico della Gambarina 'C'era una Volta'" is therefore a valuable place to discover and understand the rural way of life and crafts of the past.
