The Museum of Plaster Figurines and Emigration in Coreglia Antelminelli is dedicated to the local tradition of plaster production in the Valle del Serchio, which led to many “figurine makers” – experts in the creation of these famous statuettes – emigrating throughout the world.
The museum boasts a collection of 1,300 pieces dating from the 1600s to today, documenting the evolution of the technique used for figurine-making, which over the centuries has changed colour, form and methods of creation. The pieces on display, of exquisite quality and deep historical and social significance, showcase the particular migratory phenomenon that was based on the production and traveling sales of the plaster figurines, which took place only in this area from the 16th to 20th centuries.
The pieces come mostly from the “Carlo Vanni” Scuola di Disegno e Plastica and from a donation by Remo Molinari (1883-1973), the descendent of an important family of figurine makers. Many private donors from Coreglia have also added to the collection over the years.
The museum also hosts records about the production of plaster, with a workshop and the display of a permanent nativity scene.
Info: comune.coreglia.lu.it
