Mountain Museum, Turin

The National Mountain Museum "Duca degli Abruzzi" in Turin is not dedicated just to any mountain rocks or minerals, as it may seem at first glance. It was created to dispel all fears of heights and show real courage. Here you can find out why only mountains that no one has ever seen before are better than any mountains. This place is simply a must visit for all fans of mountain tourism and backpackers, because it is dedicated only to the mountains.

History of the museum

The Mountain Museum dates back to the 19th century. In 1871 the Turin authorities received the premises of the former Capuchin monastery at their disposal. Three years later, the mayor's office handed them over to the Club Alpino Italiano. On September 9, an observation platform and an observatory with a portable telescope were opened. In 1885 the first exhibition with photo materials was opened here. In 1901, Prince Luigi di Savoia, honorary president of the club, donated materials to the museum from his expedition to the North Pole.

By 1918 the collections of the museum were significantly enlarged, but in the epoch of fascism the premises fell into decay. In the period 1935-1942 the museum was undergoing repair work, but the bombing during World War II brought all efforts to zero. After the war, there were some temporary exhibitions and the long-lasting restoration continued. On July 13, 1978, the first floor was opened to the public, and on March 21, 1981 – the entire museum complex. The museum's exposition grew during the years that follow, and the rooms were structured according to modern standards.

Exhibits of the Mountain Museum

Today the Mountain Museum in Turin is a true cultural center. Here, apart from the permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions, the documentation of the Club Alpino Italiano is kept. Conferences and seminars are also held here. The entire exhibition area, which presents samples of the museum's permanent collection, is located on two floors. It is divided into several thematic zones, covering different aspects.

• From mystery to civilization. Since ancient times, the mountains have frightened a man and were a dangerous environment for them. But people have adapted. This zone takes the visitor to the sources of civilization that originated in the Alps.
• Communications. Mountains have always been an obstacle, but the rapid technological development allowed us to overcome them. The section tells about the roads and railways and the ways of their construction in the mountains.
• Tourism and mountaineering. Mountain tourism was born in the Alps, and these mountains gave the name to a new kind of human entertainment. With the increase in demand, supply has also increased. Here you can learn about the birth of alpine green tourism and the development of the tourist industry in the mountains.
• Club Alpino Italiano. The whole history of the Club Alpino Italiano in one room.
• Winter mountaineering and winter sports. This zone received a special push in development after the Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006. History, equipment for winter climbing, and various adaptations for sports in a cold unfriendly environment.
• Mountains of the other parts of the world. This part of the exhibition is dedicated to the ascent on the Himalayas, the so-called "Crown of the World". Here you can see photos and equipment of the pioneers of the most dangerous and high mountains of the world.
• Mountains and people. With the active leap of industrialization, the threat to alpine ecosystems has increased. This zone considers the interaction of man and nature at the present time and the protection of natural resources from the harmful impact of civilization.

The last floor, or rather, the superstructure, will also be very interesting. There is a small observatory here. Given the proximity of the Alps (only 100-120 km), it offers a stunning view of the mountains. Actually the museum is located on a hill, and from the observatory the visitor gets an amazing panorama to the whole of Turin.

How to get there

The museum is located on the eastern bank of the Po river, in the Borgo Po area, on the Piazzale Monte dei Cappuccini, 7. On both sides of it, the river is crossed by the Umberto I Bridge and Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge. And in 10 minutes walk there is a Monument to the Crimean Expedition. At the foot of the hill there are several stops – Gioannetti, Gran Madre. They can be reached by tram № 13, and buses № 53, 56, 66, 70, 73.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00. Monday is a day off. Phone number: (+39) 011 6604104.

Entrance: the cost of a full ticket is 10 euros, with a discount (students, pensioners, groups over 15 people) 7 euros. Data of April 2018.