Museo di Pulcinella, del folklore e della civiltà contadina

About the museum

The museum was founded and set up in 1992 by the Centro di Cultura “Acerra Nostra” and occupies a wing of the Castello Baronale, on the ground and first floors, with access from the latter. The display unfolds in the former kitchens and across two entire floors of the castle, once owned by the feudal lords of the town.

The route tells the story of the peasant culture of Terra di Lavoro, the ancient Liburia, from which the Pulcinella mask originated: the figure of the comical and foolish country man. Acerra and Pulcinella have been an inseparable pairing since at least the 16th century. Alongside the tools of farm work, the domestic spaces in which much of life took place have been reconstructed.

The twelve exhibition rooms include a section on Pulcinella, with original documents on popular, literary and theatrical traditions, works of art, costumes, masks and photographs of the actors who have played the mask, from Antonio Petito to Massimo Troisi, and a section on folklore. A 17th-century street theatre booth, a Pulcinella-style Nativity scene and a guarattelle puppet theatre have been reconstructed. The museum has an archive, a library dedicated to Angelo Manna and a video library, with a research section named after Alfonso Maria di Nola.

Highlights

• Twelve rooms in the Castello Baronale
• Documents, costumes, masks and photographs on Pulcinella
• 17th-century street theatre booth and guarattelle puppet theatre
• Reconstruction of peasant domestic spaces
• Library, archive and video library

Permanent exhibition

• Pulcinella, folklore e civiltà contadina – Section on Pulcinella and section on the folklore of Terra di Lavoro, with costumes, masks, documents and reconstructed spaces.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Centro di Cultura «Acerra Nostra»

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission according to the Musei Italiani directory.

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 Musei Italiani directory states that the museum is accessible to people with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

According to the Musei Italiani directory, a library and a car park are available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit