MUSEO DELL'OREFICERIA DIFFUSO
Museum | Valenza | Piemonte | Italy
The "Museo dell'Oreficeria Diffuso" in Valenza, Piedmont, is an innovative project that presents the rich history and tradition of the city's goldsmithing craft in a unique way. Instead of a central museum, the MOD spans multiple locations in the city, both physically and virtually, providing a comprehensive insight into the development and significance of goldsmithing in Valenza.
History and Development
Valenza has evolved into one of the world's leading cities in goldsmithing over more than 200 years. The MOD was created to preserve this heritage and make it accessible to the public. It includes various exhibition spaces strategically distributed throughout the city to shed light on the history and different aspects of the goldsmithing craft.
Locations and Exhibitions
One prominent location of the MOD is situated in the historic complex of San Domenico. Here, a laboratory from the early 1900s has been reconstructed, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the workings of goldsmiths of that time. The exhibited tools, machines, and objects come from the valuable collection of the "Associazione Amici del Museo dell'Arte Orafa di Valenza," which has collected and preserved these artifacts over the years. Another notable object is a 15th-century safe that belonged to an old family of goldsmiths from Faenza and was recently made available to the city of Valenza.
In addition to this location, there are other exhibition spaces, including the Palazzo Valentino - Centro Comunale di Cultura and the Rotunda of Largo Costituzione. These areas showcase antique gold processing machinery, also part of the collection of the aforementioned association.
Virtual Resources
In addition to physical exhibitions, the MOD also offers virtual resources. The website "www.archiviorafivalenza.it" serves as a virtual museum and allows for a "three-dimensional" access to two laboratories, one traditional and one modern, enabling the tracing of the development of goldsmithing over time.
Goals and Significance
The main goal of the MOD is to preserve the cultural heritage of Valenza's goldsmithing and bring it closer to the public. By distributing exhibitions throughout the city and integrating virtual elements, a dynamic and interactive experience is created that honors the creativity and craftsmanship of Valenza's goldsmiths.
A visit to the "Museo dell'Oreficeria Diffuso" offers a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the history and artistry of Valenza's goldsmithing craft.
