National Museum of Italian Emigration, Rome
On the beautiful square dell'Ara Coeli in Rome there is a monumental complex Vittoriano. Within the walls of this impressive structure there is the Museum of Italian Emigration. Its exhibits describe the dramatic fate of millions of Italians, who had to seek a better life away from their native land.
History of the emigration of Italians
Large-scale emigration from Italy began in the 1870s. This was due to the development of cheap shipping and railway communication. Mostly, the emigrants were sent to the United States and South America. In the late 19th century, according to sociologists, many Italians faced the choice of "o brigante o emigrante", which means "either a robber or an emigrant". And the main slogan of that time was "mi emigro per mangier" – "emigrate to eat".
According to the results of modern research, there is no Italian family that was not touched by the problem of emigration. After all, between 1861 and 1976, about 30 million people left the country.
Exhibits of the Museum of Italian Emigration
The museum shows visitors unique photos of the period of emigration. Also, various kinds of objects of those times, which tell amazing stories about the fate of people who have once taken a risk. During the tour old tunes are played in the museum, to which the Italians left their native coast and never came back.
Thematically the exhibition halls are divided into several periods:
- The origin of the Italian emigration.
- Mass emigration of 1876-1915.
- Emigration during the periods between the wars of 1916–1945.
- Emigration after the Second World War 1946–1976.
- The peace in Italy – from 1977 to the present day.
Opening hours: daily, except Mondays and public holidays. Visit to the Museum of Emigration in Rome is completely free of charge.
How to get there
The nearest stop to the museum: Ara Coeli/p.za Venezia. To get there you can use the service of the buses №: 30, 51, 81, 83, 85, 87, 118, 130F, 160, 170.
