Museum of Tomato
Museum | Collecchio | Emilia-Romagna | Italy
The Tomato Museum in Collecchio, Emilia-Romagna, is a unique ethnographic museum dedicated to the history and culture of the tomato. It is located in the Corte di Giarola, a medieval agricultural estate that was converted into a canning factory in the 19th century. The museum was opened in 2010 and is part of the Museums of Food in the province of Parma.
Collections and exhibitions:
History of the tomato: The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the tomato, from its arrival in Europe in the 16th century to its spread in European cuisine. A central sculpture of a sliced tomato fruit illustrates the different varieties of tomatoes and their characteristics.
Processing industry: A reconstructed production line with 14 historical machines showcases the evolution of tomato processing technologies, including sorting, cleaning, blanching, sieving, pasteurization, and packaging.
Packaging and advertising: The museum presents a collection of original cans, tubes, and advertising materials documenting the development of packaging technologies and advertising strategies of the tomato industry.
Cultural significance: An exhibition is dedicated to the cultural significance of the tomato, featuring works by artists, literary quotes, paintings, sculptures, and recipes that depict the tomato in art and culture.
Current use:
