Museums showcasing art, craft and industry in Tuscany

Located in the town that produces 95% of Italy’s crystal, the Crystal Museum reveals the long history of working with this precious material. Inside you can see production tools, artwork and interactive installations illustrating the evolution of the technique from traditional craftsmanship to modern innovations. A tour of the museum allows visitors to discover the value and complexity of an art that has made Colle di Val d’Elsa famous throughout the world.

The Paper Museum in Pescia offers a fascinating journey into the artisanal production of handmade paper. Located in Pietrabuona, a hamlet of Pescia, what was once an historic paper mill today houses the museum that safeguards machinery, tools and historical documents that tell the story of the town’s pivotal role in papermaking since the Middle Ages. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of the papermaking process and learn about the various techniques employed throughout time.

Straw from Signa has been a hallmark of Tuscan craftsmanship for centuries, used in the production of hats and other woven objects. The Civic Museum of Straw houses a vast collection of artifacts, from elegant 19ᵗʰ-century hats to modern design creations. Through photographs, working tools and exhibition materials, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of straw processing, its economic and cultural impact along with Signa’s importance in the international arena.

Montelupo Fiorentino is one of the most important hubs of Tuscan ceramics, with a tradition dating back to the Renaissance. The Museum of Ceramics houses a rich collection of artifacts, including plates, vases and majolica adorned with motifs typical of the area. A tour of the exhibition guides visitors on a discovery of the production techniques and stylistic evolution of local ceramics, offering an immersive experience between art and craft.

In addition to the Museum of Ceramics, Montelupo is home to the Bitossi Museum Archive, an extraordinary collection dedicated to ceramic design and craftsmanship. On display are iconic pieces created by the Bitossi factory that has collaborated with leading international designers. The museum allows visitors to explore the dialogue between tradition and innovation, demonstrating how ceramic art can evolve while maintaining solid roots in history.

Located in the heart of Casentino, the Stia Wool Museum celebrates the area’s extensive wool tradition. The museum is housed in an ancient wool mill and offers a tour of the exhibition illustrating the production of wool, from the earliest stages of processing to the finished products. Here you can see photographs and vintage machinery still in working order, learn about the fundamental role of Casentino wool in the history of clothing and even explore unique pieces such as vintage garments made in the famous fabric, Panno di Casentino (Casentino Cloth).

Coreglia Antelminelli is famous for the tradition of “figurinai,” artisans who created plaster figurines that were exported all over the world. The Museum of Plaster Figurines pays tribute to this ancient art by displaying a large collection of figurines, molds and tools used by master craftsmen. The museum additionally tells the story of the emigration of Tuscan figurine makers, who took their skills and creativity to Europe and beyond.