Museo dell'ex Centrale idroelettrica «Antonio Pitter» di Malnisio

About the museum

The museum occupies the former “Antonio Pitter” hydroelectric power station at Malnisio, in the municipality of Montereale Valcellina, which began operating in 1905 using the waters of the Cellina stream. The plant brought electricity to Valcellina for the first time, helping to end its isolation, and also powered public lighting in Venice. Over two thousand workers were employed in its construction.

The power station produced electricity until 1988. The machinery came through both world wars and the 1976 earthquake intact and is still preserved close to its original layout: the large Francis turbines with their alternators can be seen in the machine hall, while the control room retains its control equipment. For this reason the complex is considered an important example of industrial archaeology, sometimes called a “cathedral of energy”.

The visit can be made independently with a tablet and headphones, or with a guide. Nine digital totems with augmented reality show how the turbines and alternators work, and a route designed for families offers content of increasing difficulty. The museum is run by Eupolis, which offers workshops and educational activities for schools.

Highlights

• Large original Francis turbines in the machine hall
• Control room with its control equipment
• Nine augmented-reality totems on how turbines and alternators work
• Visit with tablet and headphones, or with a guide
• Tall windows overlooking the valley

Permanent exhibition

• Sala macchine e sala comandi della centrale Pitter – The Francis turbines, alternators and original equipment of the hydroelectric plant, which operated from 1905 to 1988, with augmented-reality totems.

Operated by

Eupolis Studio Associato (gestione)

Admission & discounts

Free admission for residents and for children under 6 (self-guided visit). With the ticket of the Museo archeologico di Montereale Valcellina you get €1 off both admission and the guided tour. Prices are taken from an older page.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

According to an older listing on the Turismo Accessibile FVG portal, the entrance has no steps, but the surface in front of the building is gravel; the building has several floors without a lift (one is planned); and there is an accessible toilet, but without grab rails.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The tablet offers a family route with content of increasing complexity; the augmented-reality totems explain how the machines work. Workshops are available for schools.

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

Groups and events on request at info@eupolis.info or +39 375 828 4685.

Plan your visit