Museo dell'Energia di Ripi

About the museum

The Museo dell’Energia di Ripi was created by restoring two decommissioned municipal buildings, the former wash-house (lavatoio) and the former slaughterhouse (mattatoio). The wash-house, the more significant of the two for its historical and architectural value, probably dates from the second half of the 19th century; the earliest papers in the municipal archive, from 1894, concern maintenance and renovation works. A restoration at the beginning of the 2000s created a modern space that respects the existing structure.

The museum was opened to the public on 3 June 2009. It presents itself as an educational workshop, geological museum and science museum all in one, devoted to the environmental issues linked to energy sources and in particular to oil in Italy: at Ripi one of the first Italian oilfields was discovered about 150 years ago, and the origin of the mine goes back to the first concession, called “Petroglie”, of 11 March 1868.

The route, with interactive exhibits, multimedia installations and educational models, illustrates the energy sources used since antiquity in Mediterranean societies, such as wind, water and oil. The workshops, in the former slaughterhouse next to the museum, are complemented by the Petroleum History Library and an excursion to the wells of the Ripi mine.

Highlights

• Interactive route on energy sources
• History of Ripi’s first oilfield (“Petroglie” concession, 1868)
• Former municipal wash-house of the 19th century
• Educational workshops in the former slaughterhouse
• Visit to the wells of the Ripi mine
• Petroleum History Library

Founded

2009

Visitors per year

approx. 11,000

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 former municipal wash-house (museum) and the former slaughterhouse (workshops) are declared fully accessible to people with reduced mobility and have dedicated facilities. The exhibition area is on the ground floor, reached by an entrance ramp; the workshops are connected internally.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

For adults and families there is a route with interactive exhibits, multimedia installations and educational models.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the entrance to the village.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum hosts conferences, seminars and exhibitions through the hire of its rooms.

Plan your visit