Museo del Carnevale
Museum in the Cittadella del Carnevale in Viareggio, with the history of the Carnival since 1873, design sketches, papier-mâché, and Burlamacco and Ondina.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo del Carnevale is located in the Cittadella del Carnevale in Viareggio, opened on 15 December 2001 and regarded as the largest theme park devoted to creativity linked to Carnival. Around an elliptical square named after Burlamacco stand sixteen hangars where papier-mâché artists work all year round, along with the offices of the Fondazione Carnevale, educational workshops and a bistro. Access to the square is free of charge, while the museum spaces are paid.
The exhibition route tells the story of the Viareggio Carnival with images and works, along a timeline running from 1873 to 2001. The room on the first floor alternates documents with three-dimensional reconstructions and illustrates the work that goes on all year: from organising the masked parades to the design sketches and, finally, the demolition of the floats. Visitors discover the art of carta a calco (a papier-mâché moulding technique), the mechanisms of movement, models of past floats and elements of allegorical constructions.
At the centre of the exhibition is the section dedicated to Burlamacco and Ondina, with original material from the work of Uberto Bonetti, alongside costumes by the Atelier di Anna e Giorgio White inspired by the masks of the Commedia dell’Arte. A projection room offers an immersive experience, while Oblò hosts contemporary artworks of the Fondazione Carnevale. Part of the route is the Espace Gilbert, in Hangar 16, with a selection of papier-mâché works. Since 2020 the museum has held the status of regional importance recognised by the Tuscany Region.
Highlights
- Timeline of the Carnival from 1873 to 2001
- Burlamacco and Ondina with documents by Uberto Bonetti
- Espace Gilbert with papier-mâché works in Hangar 16
- Models of floats and the art of carta a calco
- Oblò room with contemporary art from the Fondazione Carnevale
Permanent exhibition
- Esposizione permanente sulla storia del Carnevale di Viareggio – Timeline from 1873 to 2001, room devoted to Burlamacco and Ondina, float models, costumes and the art of carta a calco; includes the Espace Gilbert with papier-mâché works.
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Fondazione Carnevale di Viareggio
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Touring Club Italiano members, holders of the Carta dello Studente Universitario Regione Toscana and the Carta Edumusei, ACI and FAI members, holders of an Autolinee Toscane ticket and of the Apua Card |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free admission up to age 11 when accompanied by an adult. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for European Union citizens with disabilities and one companion. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €4 per personGroups from 15 visitors (from age 11 onwards); booking recommended. |
Prices refer to visits without a guide. Free admission also for group leaders, teachers and escorts of school groups. The same ticket also covers the Espace Gilbert. Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket office.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Educational papier-mâché workshops and guided tours for schools and families.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
There is a bistro café in the Cittadella.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The museum offers guided tours and papier-mâché workshops with educational support; the Carnival Lab Academy offers educational activities. Access to the Cittadella square is free. |
