Gipsoteca
Museum | Cascina | Tuscany | Italy
The Gipsoteca of Cascina is an important museum in the city of Cascina, province of Pisa, in Tuscany. It houses a collection of plaster casts from the 19th century, originally belonging to the art school of Cascina. These casts have been used for centuries to introduce students to the forms, volumes, and beauty of classical Greek and Roman sculptures.
Collections and exhibitions:
Classical sculptures: The Gipsoteca displays casts of famous works such as the Venus de Milo, Michelangelo's Tondo Pitti, and the dancing Putti by Donatello. These replicas provide direct access to masterpieces of ancient and Renaissance art.
Architectural sculptures and reliefs: Another part of the collection includes casts of reliefs, including works by Jacopo della Quercia at the church of San Petronio in Bologna, by Lorenzo Ghiberti at the Baptistery doors in Florence, and by Giovanni Pisano on the pulpit of the Pisa Cathedral. These exhibits offer insights into the diversity and richness of medieval and Renaissance sculptures.
Educational offerings and events:
The Gipsoteca of Cascina is not only a place of preservation, but also of education. It offers various educational programs, including:
Guided tours and workshops: Regular guided tours and workshops allow visitors to learn about the techniques of plaster cast making and discover more about the history of the collection.
Cultural events: The museum organizes cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions, enriching the cultural life of the region and promoting exchange between locals and visitors.
Through these diverse offerings, the Gipsoteca of Cascina contributes to preserving the cultural heritage of the region and making it accessible to a wide audience.
