Civico Museo della Seta Abegg

About the museum

The building that houses the museum was built in the 18th century as a silk mill by the Gnecchi family, among the leading figures of the Lombard silk industry. In 1887 the Garlate business passed to the Swiss industrialists Abegg, who continued to produce silk until the First World War; after the crisis in the sector the silk mills were converted into throwing and winding mills, and in 1936 the Garlate mill also became a winding mill.

As early as 1932 Carl Jobb, director of the Abegg companies in Italy, selected and saved many still-working machines from the disused silk mills, with the aim of creating an industrial museum that would preserve the memory of a vanishing activity. The museum was opened in 1953, donated to the Comune di Garlate in 1976, rearranged in 2013 and recognised as a “Raccolta museale” (museum collection) by Regione Lombardia in October 2020.

The route begins with the historic mulberry grove, planted between 1996 and 2001 with numerous varieties of mulberry, and continues in room 1 with the rearing of silkworms, active all year round, and the reeling machines. On the upper floor are the throwing machines and, in room 3, ancient 19th-century looms and a section on the future of silk. The complex overlooks the Adda and is connected to the alzaia towpath, a cycle and pedestrian path between Lecco and Milan.

Highlights

• Original machines for reeling, throwing and weaving silk
• Silkworm rearing visible all year round
• Historic mulberry grove with mulberry varieties from several countries
• Former 18th-century silk mill on the Adda, near the alzaia cycle path
• 19th-century looms and a section on new applications of silk

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso espositivo: dal gelso al tessuto – Historic mulberry grove, silkworm rearing, machines for reeling, throwing and weaving in three rooms on two floors.

Founded

1953

Operated by

Comune di Garlate

Visitors per year

approx. 3,000

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia Milano card, ICOM members, MiC officials, up to two accompanying teachers per class, one tour leader per 15 people and pupils of the schools of Garlate.

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 route is spread over two floors in a historic building; for accessibility needs it is advisable to contact the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The “B.A.M. – Bambini al Museo” calendar offers Sundays dedicated to children with guided visits and workshops (€6 for adults and children, €4 from the second child, free under 3); the museum hosts a silkworm rearing and organises events such as “Halloween al Museo”.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the right bank of the Adda, directly connected to the alzaia, the cycle and pedestrian path linking Lecco and Milan; the entrance is opposite the mulberry garden.

Amenities & dining

Garden with mulberry grove and inner courtyard used for educational activities; picnic lunches are possible in the garden or in some rooms of the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit