Museo dei Cavatappi

About the museum

The Museo dei Cavatappi opened in 2006 in an old cellar in Barolo, next to the Municipal Castle (Castello comunale), and is devoted to the history of a simple and often overlooked tool. The collection includes around 500 antique corkscrews from all over the world, dating from the second half of the 17th century onwards.

The route, divided into 19 sections, begins with hanging corkscrews and the naming of the parts, then illustrates the simple “T”-shaped models made of wood, iron, brass, bone, horn, mother-of-pearl and ivory. This is followed by the era of lever, screw and gear mechanisms, through to the double-screw system, with one right-hand and one left-hand thread nested inside each other.

The thematic sections present decorative, figurative, pocket, advertising and multi-purpose examples, animal-themed or erotic pieces, miniatures for perfumes and medicines, and a section of precious corkscrews made by craftsmen and goldsmiths from fine materials. A separate collection brings together period postcards featuring the corkscrew as a subject. The display alternates historical images, panels inspired by Leonardo’s drawings, light effects and curiosities. At the entrance, open to all, there is a large painting of a Barolo vineyard by Bruno Murialdo and the bottles of all the local producers; the bookshop sells wines, books, corkscrews and local products.

Highlights

• About 500 antique corkscrews from the 17th century onwards
• 19 thematic sections, from “T”-shaped models to gear mechanisms
• Section of precious corkscrews by goldsmiths and craftsmen
• Collection of themed period postcards
• Panels in Italian, English and German

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione di cavatappi antichi – About 500 corkscrews in 19 thematic sections, from simple models to gear mechanisms, with a collection of period postcards.

Founded

2006

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for holders of the Carta Musei Torino Piemonte.

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 website provides no information on physical accessibility; please contact the museum for details.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Piazza Mazzocchi (formerly Piazza Castello), next to the Municipal Castle of Barolo.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop with wines of Barolo and the Langhe, books, antique and modern corkscrews and local food products; wine shop (enoteca) with wines from local producers.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit