In the heart of the Florentine Valdarno, in the evocative setting of the Villa I Graffi – now Casa Cares – comes the Piccolo Museo dell’Olio e del Territorio, a project promoted by the Diaconia Valdese with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and in collaboration with the Municipality of Reggello. It is an innovative, accessible and inclusive exhibition space that tells the story of oil, rural life and the social and cultural transformations of the Reggello area.
The museum is developed within the former structure of the 18th-century oil mill, theater-cappella and former carpentry shop, which underwent a major restoration that respected the historical and architectural value of the entire complex.
A journey in three stages
The visitor is taken on a tour consisting of three rooms:
- The Oil Mill: the historic heart of the museum, with glass floors revealing the ancient oil tanks. Here the traditional techniques of oil production are traced through original tools and explanatory panels.
- The Theater/Capel: established as a theater space in 1750 and later converted into a chapel, it now chronicles the relationship between town and country, social changes, and the evolution of the farm and landscape.
- The Multipurpose Hall: completely renovated, it houses photographic exhibitions, audiovisual materials and educational workshops. A hall designed for community meeting, reflection and participation.
Inclusiveness and accessibility
The museum is designed to be accessible to all, with dedicated tools for people with visual, cognitive, and hearing disabilities: tactile maps, touch reproductions, CAA panels, and subtitles in multimedia content.
A living, participatory project
The museum is the result of extensive historical and archival research and intends to grow over time with the contribution of the local community, through the involvement of schools, associations and citizens in the collection of memories, testimonies and photographs.
Mode of visitation
Visits are free and guided for school groups and groups staying at Casa Cares.For those not staying at Casa Cares, you can book a visit by writing to info@casacares.it More info: https://casevaldesi.it/struttura/casa-cares/sezione/free/