Museo dell'Olio d'Oliva
The first Italian museum devoted to olive oil, in the Oleificio Cisano on Lake Garda, with around 450 historical pieces, presses and antique oil mills.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo dell’Olio was opened in 1988 in the historic premises of the Oleificio Cisano and was the first museum in Italy devoted to the history of olive oil. It originated as the private collection of Umberto Turri, who had settled in Cisano di Bardolino in the 1960s and who, during camper trips around Europe, had recovered old presses, screw presses and mechanisms from abandoned oil mills. At his wish, the collection was later opened to the public.
The collection comprises around 450 historical pieces linked to the olive-growing tradition. The route begins with an era when processing techniques seemed unchanging and reaches the early 20th century, with the turning point of technological progress. Ancient and unusual tools in use as early as the 18th century are on display, such as lever presses and oil mills with water-driven wheels.
A section explains, with videos and educational panels, the cultivation of the olive tree and the production of oil. In 2007 the museum was expanded with a new exhibition room, and in 2015 the façade was renovated. Video guides are available in nine languages.
Highlights
- First Italian museum devoted to olive oil, opened in 1988
- Around 450 historical pieces from the olive-growing tradition
- Lever presses and 18th-century oil mills with water wheels
- Video guides in nine languages
- Free admission for individual visitors and families
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione permanente sull'olio d'oliva – Around 450 historical pieces, including lever presses and antique oil mills, with videos and panels on oil production.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Oleificio Cisano S.r.l.
- Visitors per year
- approx. 40,181
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Individual visitors and families do not need a reservation, and admission is free. Groups pay for admission, only with a reservation and with assistance from staff; a group means at least 15 people (maximum 50).
Accessibility
- Partially 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
People with disabilities must ask the staff of the sales point for assistance to access the exhibition areas; about half of the exhibition space is accessible. A toilet for disabled visitors is available.
Kids & families
Children under 12 must be accompanied.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum car park has 20 spaces. On days of heavy attendance, the parking area 300 metres away towards Bardolino (near the cemetery of Cisano) is recommended. Buses may not park in the car park in front; the equipped area is 300 metres from the museum towards Bardolino.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Company sales point of the Oleificio Cisano.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (IT, EN, DE, FR, NL, PL, RU, ES, HU) |
| Photography | Photography and filming for personal use are allowed; distribution requires permission from the management. |
| Good to know | Video guides with touch screen. Food, drinks or purchased products may not be brought in; dogs are admitted on a leash; children under 12 must be accompanied. The barriers may not be crossed and the pieces may not be touched. |
