Museo storico etnografico Valle di Blenio

About this place

The museum is housed in a splendid, monumental sixteenth-century palace, built on older walls (1461). The façade is entirely covered with frescoes showing the coats of arms of the representatives of the three original cantons, the landfogti, who governed the bailiwick of Blenio for three centuries. There are also frescoes inside, with the coats of arms of the valley’s prominent families. One ethnographic section preserves objects relating to rural crafts, sacred art, agriculture, wine production, cheese production and beekeeping. A new section, richly illustrated with a multimedia archive, recalls the emigration from Blenio, including that of the well-known chocolate makers and chestnut sellers. In the little tower, a room is dedicated to Mosè Bertoni, the great botanist who emigrated to Paraguay. A contemporary art section displays various works by the sculptor Giovanni Genucchi. Temporary exhibitions are organised.

Location