Museum of Ceramics in Montelupo Fiorentino
7 centuries of majolica, art and daily life: a journey into the ceramic beauty of the heart of Tuscany
The Museum of Ceramics in Montelupo Fiorentino chronicles 7 centuries of art, beauty and know-how. Located in one of Tuscany’s most important production centers, it holds an extraordinary collection that testifies to the evolution of Montelupo majolica from the Middle Ages to the 18ᵗʰ century.
Hundreds of pieces are displayed along an immersive tour, chosen from more than 5,000 artifacts from archaeological excavations in the historic center. These artifacts, often furnace scraps, have been restored and brought back to light, transformed into true witnesses of the past.
The heart of the collection is Renaissance majolica (14ᵗʰ–16ᵗʰ), decorated with fine motifs such as the eye of a peacock feather. Some works were intended for distinguished patrons, such as the papal court of Leo X, and bear coats of arms and symbols of Medici power. Alongside the elite ceramics, popular productions from the 17ᵗʰ century also stand out, with the lively decoration known as “Arlecchino” (“Harlequin”) depicting crafts, games and everyday scenes.
One of the most famous pieces is the “Rosso di Montelupo” (“Montelupo Red”), a 1509 basin with vivid colors on a yellow and red background, a masterpiece that represents the expressive power of Tuscan ceramics.
The itinerary is divided into 8 thematic rooms, devoted to the uses of ceramics in daily life, workshop techniques, exports to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, along with pharmaceutical vessels and nature-inspired decorations.
Numerous insights into historical kilns and archaeological excavation techniques have enabled the reconstruction of the ceramic production chain. A way to understand not only the art but also the human and social context in which it was created and developed.
The museum is also an accessible and living space, with tactile pathways and captions in braille for the blind, interactive activities and children’s workshops to allow everyone to approach ceramics in an engaging way.
A place where history becomes matter, color and form. Where each fragment tells of a world. Where tradition is renewed, piece by piece.
For information on accessibility: regione.toscana.it
