Located in the heart of Borgo San Lorenzo, the Chini Manufacturing Museum is an unmissable stop for lovers of Italian art, history and culture. Here we will explore the wonders of this unique museum and discover why it is one of the most fascinating attractions in the region. Manifattura Chini was born two centuries ago as an important example of artistic craftsmanship in the production of ceramics. Piero Alessio Chini, decorator by profession, has passed on his passion for art to his children and grandchildren, who have become eclectic and creative artists starting out as apprentices.

History

The new exhibition itinerary of the Chini Museum has been set up in the elegant rooms on the upper floor of the renowned Villa Pecori Giraldi, curated by Alessandro Cocchieri, director of the museum, with the scientific support of Professor Gilda Farinello Grosso.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the founder of the family, Piero Alessio Chini, a decorator by profession, passed on his passion for art to his children and grandchildren, who from apprentices became eclectic and creative artists.

Inside the Chini Museum, visitors will find a permanent collection dedicated to the artistic history of Galileo Chini and his family.

The itinerary naturally begins with the exhibition of the masterpieces created for the art of ceramics and continues with a rich narration of the artistic genius of Galileo Chini.

The works and ceramic works of the Fornaci San Lorenzo are highlighted, as well as a part of the artistic means used by the artist.

The exhibitions

The Chini Municipal Museum was inaugurated in 1999 and is part of the territorial museum system known as the “Museo diffuso”. This museum recounts all periods of Galileo Chini’s activity in the processing of ceramics and glass through the production of two factories:

• The Art of Ceramics (1896-1904 ca.) with offices in Florence and Fontebuoni.

• The Fornaci San Lorenzo (1906-1944 ca.), Mugello factory.

In both periods, the success of the factories was mainly attributed to Galileo Chini (1873-1956), in the role of artistic director, and to Chino Chini (1870-1957), in the role of technical director. The museum presents a collection that covers these periods, showing the works and artistic productions of Galileo Chini and associated factories. Today, the museum is an important place for preserving and promoting the artistic and artisanal legacy of this family and their contribution in the field of ceramic and glass art.

Project “Chini Children’s Museum”

The Chini Children’s Museum is an interactive place dedicated to children, with themed rooms including Art, Light, Music and Science. Here children can build cities, play with 1900s artists, experiment with shadows, lights and strange materials, as well as read, paint and make music.

Accompanied by their parents, children find a museum designed especially for them, a serene environment open to exploration, with tools that are easy to understand and use even for the youngest visitors.

Furthermore, the location of the museum in Villa Pecori Giraldi, an ancient 13th century structure renovated in the early 20th century, inside a beautiful monumental park, makes a visit even more pleasant.

Opening time

In December 2018, a new exhibition itinerary was created in the Museum to show the public the collections enriched with new specimens purchased by the Municipality and works on loan from collectors.

The Chini Manufacturing Museum is open from Thursday to Sunday. Opening hours are 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00.