A museum that lives and tells
The Indian Village Museum arises from a deep desire to tell the truth behind the history, culture, and spirituality of the Native peoples of North America. « It is not a cold or silent museum, it is a living place that speaks of the encounters and emotions that those men and women experienced and continue to experience. » What makes this place special are the words of the owner Alessandro: able to animate every exhibited object by telling its life with curious anecdotes.
Every visit is a journey and every word a discovery: a constantly different experience... Unrepeatable and magical. For those who are not satisfied with just these words and want to get to know Alessandro and his museum now, an interesting video presenting them is available on YouTube.
Some more details that make a difference
«The museum is small, so much so that it feels like a home... Or, perhaps, it is exactly that: a home turned museum out of passion.» Whoever crosses the threshold of Indian Village finds themselves immersed in a parallel world, where at every corner there are showcases, artifacts, and reconstructions from all over the globe.
The spaces seem chaotic at first glance: in reality, everything is perfectly designed to tell the many different Native cultures: from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, all the way to the Southwest.
To be honest, the museum is continually evolving...
As it was set up with materials and furnishings donated by enthusiasts and traditionalists, thanks to both old and new collaborations it is constantly growing. Even large institutions have done their part… Especially in enriching the museum's library – available to visitors. Among them, we want to remember the anthropologist Cesare Marino (responsible at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC) who has been a guest many times at the Museum to present his research and publications; and Drs. Sandra and Flavia Busatta (collaborators and teachers in various schools, including the University of Padua), who gifted the owner many artifacts and books following their studies…
In addition to the artifacts, it is possible to participate in customized guided tours and practical workshops – such as traditional weaving – often organized during events or the Indian Village Festival.
It is always preferable to book to enter the museum, whose visit lasts varying amounts of time: it can go from more than three hours, depending on the time and interest of the visitors.
In general, the approach is educational given the professionalism of owner Alessandro, but it proves suitable for both those who want to approach these cultures for the first time and those who are already passionate about them.
Entry is by donation, while for groups and schools a symbolic amount is agreed upon: because for Alessandro, knowledge must be accessible to all and he pays great attention to ensuring access for everyone.
To future visitors: «Come loaded with curiosity, as Alessandro will take care of everything else! »
