Museo Castiglioni, Varese

This is how history is most effectively taught! A wonderful example of how authentic history and anthropology is communicated well, this museum set in the beautiful gardens of the Villa Toeplitz Is worth spending a full day in! The collection of artifacts and photographs are carefully curated to give the visitor a great sense of the adventure that the Castiglioni brothers had and their dedication to recording the cultures that they knew were disappearing. These are then brought to life with explanatory videos that deeply connects one with the material being exhibited. Besides the wonderful collection of prehistoric rock art (11,000 years old!) casts, what struck me most was the exhibit of the life of the Tuareg which is vividly conveyed by a diorama of a Tuareg tent with an explanation of all the items and their respective uses. We have all seen human mummies, but where else would one see a mummified camel? If one is lucky enough to arrive on days when Marco Castiglioni is in the museum, one will be treated to an experience of speaking to an enthusiastic and passionate storyteller. Marco manages to convey all the salient points of the cultures of the people without overly romanticising the lives of these tribes. Talking to Marco, one is immediately entranced by the anthropology of these tribes and saddened by the loss of diversity that accompanies progress. However the sadness is balanced by the knowledge that the fact that his father and uncle managed to capture many practices on film before they were lost. I am also extremely heartened by the existence of Marco who, with knowledgeable flair, conveyed to me a huge sense of interest in the subject of African anthropology. Words nor pictures will not replace what will be an unforgettable experience in this museum, so stop reading and get yourself to this unmissable experience in Varese. It is so much more than a "visit to a museum"!

A great place to visit, a journey in the steps of the Castiglioni brothers, explorers, anthropologists, archaeologists.... An adventure you don't want to miss !