Casa del Suono
Museum in the former church of Santa Elisabetta dedicated to the history of sound-reproduction devices, from the phonograph to the iPod.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Casa del Suono is housed in the former church of Santa Elisabetta, built between 1669 and 1674 to a design by the engineer Carlo Magnani on the site of the old oratory of a community of nuns. With the Napoleonic suppression in 1805 the complex lost its religious function; the convent was later demolished in the 1970s, while the church and chapel remained and were for a long time put to improper uses.
The buildings were restored and returned to use, and in December 2008 the Casa del Suono opened there, as part of the Casa della Musica of the Comune di Parma. The project was developed with the University of Parma and the Fondazione Prometeo and conceives the building itself as a musical instrument based on advanced electronic technologies.
The display traces the technical and social development of sound reproduction and transmission systems. It is made up largely of the Collezione Patanè, about 400 pieces up to the mid-20th century, largely entrusted to the Casa della Musica since 2007, and of more recent devices from the Casa della Musica, from donations and loans.
Highlights
- 17th-century former church of Santa Elisabetta, restored together with the chapel
- Collezione Patanè of about 400 sound-reproduction devices
- Phonographs, crystal radios and portable radios up to the mid-20th century
- Five thematic sections: sound reproduced, transmitted, at home, in your pocket and for everyone
- Building conceived as an electronic musical instrument
Permanent exhibition
- L'esposizione – Route in five sections on the evolution of sound reproduction and transmission systems, with the Collezione Patanè and devices from later decades.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Comune di Parma – Casa della Musica
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Over 65s, young people aged 19 to 25, one adult with a child up to 18, university students, FAI and Touring Club members, teachers with the Carta del docente (teacher card) and other partner categories |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companions. |
| Students & apprentices | –Free admission for students of the University of Parma. |
| Combined ticket for six civic museums (Camera di San Paolo, Casa del Suono, Pinacoteca Stuard, Museo dell'Opera, Castello dei Burattini, Museo Casa natale Arturo Toscanini) | €15Reduced €12; family €20 (two adults and one child up to 18). Valid for one year from the date of issue. |
Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month.
Free admission for under-18s, school groups and accompanying teachers, students of the University of Parma, people with disabilities and their companions, residents of the Comune di Parma, licensed tour guides and accredited journalists, ICOM members and every first Sunday of the month. Some events in the programme, such as “Fuori Forma” and “Scherzi d'Irrealtà”, are free of charge. Tickets are available online on Ticketlandia.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The accessibility statement is available on the Casa della Musica website.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum offers an educational activity; information at info.cds@lacasadellamusica.it. The museum belongs to the Casa della Musica system (infopoint +39 0521 031170). |
