Museo della ceramica

About the museum

The Museo della ceramica di Fiorano was established in 1996 and is housed in the castle of Spezzano. It is a technological museum devoted to the history of ceramic production in the area that today forms the Modena–Reggio industrial tile district, a history with roots in the Neolithic, consolidated in the second half of the 20th century and open to future challenges. Since 2021–2022 it has been recognised as a regional museum accredited to the Sistema museale nazionale.

The historical section illustrates the ceramic production of the area, from the “cultura di Fiorano” (Fiorano culture) of the Neolithic to the contemporary age, and includes the Roman room with the votive altar dedicated to Minerva, linked to the phenomenon of the Salse di Nirano (Nirano mud volcanoes). The rooms devoted to industrialisation show the bricks of the Fornace Carani and the first dry-pressed tiles, while the present-day section presents the mass-produced “piastrella” (tile), from late 19th-century tiles to those of the 2000s.

Alongside archaeological finds, ceramic works and tiles, there are reproductions of artefacts, potters’ tools and kilns reconstructed using experimental archaeology techniques. The contemporary collection brings together ceramic artworks, architectural ceramics and design objects, while the Manodopera (labour) section presents a 300-square-metre multimedia display devoted to the men and women who made ceramics in the district.

Highlights

• Roman room with the votive altar dedicated to Minerva
• Kilns and artefacts reconstructed using experimental archaeology
• Manodopera section: 300 m² of multimedia on the voices of the ceramic workers
• Contemporary collection of ceramic art and design
• Collection of devotional plaques dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot
• Ceramics workshop

Permanent exhibitions

• Sezione storica e sezione attuale – Millennia-long history of the area’s ceramics from the Neolithic to the present day, with the Roman room, reconstructed kilns and serial tile production.
• Manodopera – 300 m² multimedia display with testimonies of workers, immersive projections and time tables on the history of the district’s ceramics from the 19th century to today.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Comune di Fiorano Modenese

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the castle and museum during ordinary opening is free with an unguided visit. A booked guided visit costs €5 per person for groups of 10; otherwise €50 in total.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 castle and museum are accessible to people with disabilities: a lift and a platform lift serve the upper floors and the basement (ask at the bookshop). It is advisable to park in car park P1 near the walls, enter by the south gate and walk the brick paths with ramps. For the reserved access at the back of the castle, booking is suggested, and on arrival the operator should be called on 0536 833298. The museum is included in the “Easy to Go Out” platform of AISM Modena.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers routes for schools and the ceramics workshop.

Getting there & parking

By car: A1 motorway, exit Modena Sud (towards Abetone–Maranello) or Modena Nord via the Tangenziale Modena–Sassuolo; then follow the signs for the Castello di Spezzano, via Nirano and via del Castello 12. Radiotaxi 059 212100.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Bookshop with books and themed gifts during opening hours; picnic area in the castle park with free access. The castle’s bar-restaurant is currently not operated. Free Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rooms and spaces are available to rent in the castle (page “Sale e spazi in affitto” on the website).

Plan your visit