The museum rediscovering the peasant civilization of Matera

The Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization in Matera is a unique place that tells the story of rural life and traditions of the city of Sassi.

Who created this museum?

The museum was established by Mr. Donato Cascione, a person deeply connected to his land and roots. Today, the museum is managed by the Cultural Association Donato Cascione, of which he is president.

What is the current surface area of the museum and how will it be in the future?

Currently, the museum covers an area of about 500 square meters. However, the project plans an expansion that will double this area. In the future, the museum will also include practical workshops dedicated to young people, where they can learn ancient crafts such as that of the paper-mâché artist, potter, basket maker, and many others. This makes the museum not only a place of exhibition but also a center for learning and reviving artisanal traditions.

How were the exhibition halls of the Museum of Peasant Civilization prepared?

Before setting up the halls, years of collecting everyday objects and tools from traditional crafts were necessary. These objects tell the economic and social life that characterized Matera and its Sassi. The peculiarity of the museum is that it does not simply display objects but reconstructs environments that were an integral part of peasant life.

Why is the museum not a simple exhibition of objects?

A fundamental element was to ensure that the museum did not appear as a cold exhibition, but as a lively and welcoming place. Each hall has been curated in detail to recreate environments faithful to peasant reality. This approach allows especially young people to come into direct contact with the past, experiencing an immersive and meaningful experience. Nothing is left to chance, as every element has its significance and contributes to telling a story.

Who are the main visitors of the Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization?

The main users of the museum are young people. The idea is that new generations can know and appreciate a past that has often been neglected or underestimated. It is important to recover the historical memory of the peasant world without prejudice or attitudes of superiority, but with respect and curiosity. The museum aims to be a bridge between the past and the future, helping to understand how the traditions of the past have built the very identity of the Matera community.

How was the museum's setup realized?

The setup was preceded by an in-depth study of important texts dedicated to "peasant literature." Additionally, the experience and testimony of the elders of the place played a fundamental role. These witnesses shared details and particulars that no book could ever convey because they come from personal and direct experiences. This has allowed for the reconstruction of authentic environments, rich in meaning and real life.

What cultural activities does the Donato Cascione Association carry out besides managing the museum?

The association does not limit itself to managing the museum but organizes numerous cultural activities aimed mainly at young people. These include group work, production of educational materials, theatrical dramatizations, and publications of testimonies. The goal is to actively involve the local community and visitors, to keep peasant culture alive and make it accessible to all.

What types of visits and educational paths does the museum offer to tourists and students?

The museum offers different levels of enjoyment. For tourists, simple guided tours are available, allowing them to discover the history and the exhibited objects. For students of all grades, more in-depth educational itineraries are organized. These educational paths are designed to stimulate curiosity and learning through a direct and engaging experience.

What is the symbolic value of the Museum of Peasant Civilization for Matera?

The museum represents much more than a simple collection of ancient objects. As Donato Cascione wrote, the museum is a place that preserves the smells, sounds, and emotions of a past world: the scent of wood shavings, the sound of planers, the singing of women kneading dough. These elements are part of a cultural and identity heritage that has shaped the Matera community. Visiting the museum means immersing oneself in this atmosphere and understanding how the peasant past has built the present and future of Matera.

How can the Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization enrich a visit to Matera?

Matera is famous for its Sassi, but the museum offers a complementary and original perspective on the history of the city. Here, one does not just admire ancient stones but discovers the daily life of the people who inhabited those places. The museum allows one to understand the traditions, crafts, and stories that are the foundation of Matera's culture. For those visiting Matera, this museum is an important stop for a complete and profound experience.

How can one participate in the activities and workshops of the museum?

The cultural association that manages the museum is very active in proposing initiatives aimed at young people and schools. Those interested can inquire directly at the facility to discover the calendar of activities, practical workshops, and special events. Participating in these moments means not only learning but also experiencing peasant culture firsthand, rediscovering ancient knowledge and skills.

Why is the recovery of peasant civilization important for new generations?

The recovery of peasant civilization allows young people to know the roots of their land and appreciate the value of work, community, and tradition. Understanding the past helps build a strong and conscious identity, avoiding losing the connection with one's history. The museum offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on these themes and to keep alive the experiences and knowledge of those who lived in different times.

How does the Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization fit into the cultural and tourist context of Matera?

Matera is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization enriches this heritage by offering a space dedicated to popular traditions and the rural world. Its presence helps diversify the tourist offer, proposing a different but complementary cultural experience to the classic paths. Visiting the museum means discovering an authentic and often little-known aspect of Matera.

What emotions can a visit to the Museum of Peasant Civilization evoke?

Entering the museum is like taking a journey through time. Visitors can feel the closeness of those who lived in that world made of hard work, but also of moments of joy and sociality. The reconstructed environments and the exhibited objects evoke memories, sounds, and smells that speak directly to the heart. This immersion in the past can deeply touch those who visit, creating an emotional bond with the history and culture of Matera.

What role do the testimonies of the elderly play in the enhancement of the Museum?

The testimonies of the elderly are fundamental to making the museum authentic and alive. These people have directly experienced the conditions and experiences narrated and can convey details and sensations that no book can provide. Collaboration with the elderly has enriched the museum with true and profound stories, making the experience more engaging and meaningful.

How can one organize a visit to the Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization during a trip to Matera?

To organize a visit to the museum, it is useful to contact the association that manages it in advance to know the opening hours, access methods, and any guided tours available. The museum is suitable for both individual visits and groups, schools, and families. Integrating this stop into one's itinerary in Matera allows for enriching the trip with an original perspective on local history.

What traditional crafts can be discovered at the Museum of Peasant Civilization?

The museum offers the opportunity to learn about ancient crafts that were part of the daily life of Matera, such as the paper-mâché artist, who worked with paper-mâché to create decorative objects; the potter, specialized in producing ceramics; the basket maker, who made baskets and containers from straw or wicker. Through workshops, young people can learn these arts, rediscovering ancient techniques and values related to manual work.

How does the Museum promote the recovery of the historical memory of the city of Sassi?

The Museum-Laboratory of Peasant Civilization is a precious custodian of the historical memory of the city of Sassi. Through the collection of objects, the faithful setup of environments, and cultural activities, it preserves and transmits knowledge and traditions that risk being lost. This recovery process helps keep local identity alive and makes the richness of Matera's past known to visitors and residents.