Museo Etnografico del Cotto (MusEC)
Municipal museum housed in an old restored fontanile (spring house), dedicated to the work of the brickmakers and the fired-clay tradition of Castel Viscardo.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded on the initiative of the Municipality of Castel Viscardo, with the support of the GAL Trasimeno-Orvietano and the Region of Umbria, and was initially named the Museo delle Terrecotte (Museum of Terracottas). It is housed in a restored old fontanile near the former wash-house and is one of the points of the network “Musei in Rete per il Territorio” of the Ecomuseo del Paesaggio Orvietano. In 2019 the municipal council unanimously decided to rename it Museo Etnografico (Ethnographic Museum).
The route focuses on brick, the town's distinguishing feature: clay working in Castel Viscardo has roots going back to the Middle Ages and continues today, with hand-moulded bricks. The rooms tell the story of the kilns and of the hard work of the brickmakers through bricks, pots, jugs, earthenware and terracotta votive images.
The rooms include a lecture area, a section on the kiln, the upper floor and an educational workshop; an Etruscan-Roman section with finds from the municipal territory is planned. The museum preserves and promotes the local demo-ethno-anthropological heritage and works with schools, associations and cooperatives, organising courses, workshops and conferences.
Highlights
- History of the kilns and the work of the brickmakers
- Bricks, pots, jugs and fired-clay earthenware
- Terracotta votive images
- Clay-modelling workshop
- Etruscan-Roman section with finds from the area
Permanent exhibition
- Il cotto di Castel Viscardo – Route on the kilns, bricks and hand-made terracottas produced in Castel Viscardo from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Operated by
- Comune di Castel Viscardo
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Clay workshops on request “for young and old” and collaboration with schools.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on Via Cavour, by the former wash-house; the association's registered office is at Piazza IV Novembre 10.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum runs clay-modelling workshops for adults and children; registration is always required and at least 5 participants are needed. The scientific and technical coordinator can be reached at +39 328 024 2663, the administration at +39 329 208 1122 or +39 347 954 7058. |
