Figurine Museum, Modena
Figurine Museum (Museo della figurina) in Modena is a truly unique collection, both in terms of the number of exhibits and their quality. You can trace the history of the development of these unusual things here. The museum is of international importance and it is not a coincidence that it is in Modena, because this city is considered the world capital of collectible cards.
History of the museum
History dates back to 1961, when the passionate collector Giuseppe Panini founded a company to produce various collectible cards. The brothers Benito, Franco Cosimo, Umberto were his companions. During 20 years the company has made a huge leap in development. And in 1986 a figurine museum was opened on its base, and the personal collection of the founder became the core of the institution. In 1992, the Panini brothers decided to donate the museum to their native city. After a thorough reorganization, the institution opened its doors to visitors on December 15, 2006. It is located in the restored rooms of the Santa Margherita Palace. This is an ancient 12th century building that was used at various times as a monastery, a noble residence, a barracks, and then as a library and an institute.
Exposition of the museum
The museum collection contains samples and materials related to the production of cards and their predecessors: small antique prints, matchboxes, stamps, paper money, calendars, albums, board games and much more. The museum is located in a large exhibition hall, which can be reached by passing through the so-called “tunnel of miracles" with various interesting exhibits. It tracks the entire history of cards, from the beginning to the most innovative methods of production. The total number of cards exceeds 500,000, the exposition also includes 44,000 old cards and 65,000 stamps. The permanent exhibition has 2500 copies, which are divided into 6 parts, created as huge albums for viewing on removable doors.
- Gli antecedenti. The section presents ancient engravings, original matrices and reproductions of a series of printed images that influenced the development of cards in Europe. Some items date back to the 15th century.
- Chromolithograph. Includes a large number of chromolithographic prints, from sketches to full-fledged images, since the inception of this printing method in 1837.
- Creation and distribution. Vintage cards of the second half of the 19th century, first appeared in France. Until the end of the 19th century, they spread throughout Europe and the United States.
- Collection of Liebig. The most famous historical collection of cards in the world. Released by Panini company, it has the most direct relation to the activities of the famous chemist Justus von Liebig.
- Not just cards. This is a secondary collection, which includes everything that has to do with different color images: cigarette cards, calendars, postcards, stamps, menus, maps, hotel labels and much more.
- Modern cards. In this section, there are mainly sports collector cards issued after the Second World War. Much attention is paid to popular in Italy sports: football, racing and equestrian competitions.
In the hall there is also a separate show-window in the size of 12 meters, in which temporary exhibitions are held. They are devoted to constantly changing themes: from science fiction to the revolution, from astrological myths to biological diversity, from fairy tales to the habitats of animals. Each exhibition, which presents hundreds of cards, designed also on a multimedia screen, is accompanied by publications with rich textual explanations.
How to get there
The museum is located in the historic palace, in the center of Modena, on Corso Canalgrande, 103. Not far from it there are the Ferrari Museum and the Monument to the national hero Ciro Menotti. Opposite the palazzo there is a bus stop Canalgrande Biblioteca (routes 7A, 11).
Opening hours: Wednesday–Friday from 10:30 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, Saturday to Sunday – from 10:30 to 19:00. Monday and Tuesday are weekends. The working time can vary, you can get more detailed information be calling the phone number: (+39) 059 2032919.
