Sunday, September 27, 2009

Gino's Museum


[Photos by GiamBi]
We have already met the “cantina”, usually a former storeroom or workshop right on the canals where, in other times, crafstmen of any trade worked on boats of any type. Most of these premises, now owned by the government, are given in concession to groups or clubs, usually with some kind of nautical purpose.One of the most interesting “cantine” in town was visited by my friend Giampaolo, who took these pictures for us.This “cantina” is a museum of sorts created and kept by a “signor Gino” who, along the years, collected and salvaged any kind of objects related to the “Palio”, the sea and Livorno.The objects are artfully arranged in ordered displays around a long table where social dinner are held.We can see old carpenter tools, posters, nautical chests, oars, buoys and, if you look carefully, few racks of vintage “fiaschi”, our typical wine bottles covered with straw.

23 comments:

stromsjo said...

The "unofficial" museums are often the most interesting ones. A tremendous effort must have been put into collecting, organizing, arranging all these items and keeping the place tidy. Well done and that goes for your nautical correspondent too!

Lowell said...

Rather like a social club/museum? Whatever, a great idea and kudos to those who work to preserve and protect all these artifacts.

Thanks to your friend for some truly interesting and provocative photos. It would be a great place to visit if open to the public.

Peter @ italyMONDO! said...

What a picturesque cantina!

Nori Katayama said...

Curious!
We can't see that scene in Japan!

James said...

This looks like a very interesting place. I would love to be turned loose in there with my camera.

Leif Hagen said...

I dig those big trunks! Could you sneak one out for me?!

Unseen India Tours said...

Interesting place and beautiful shot !! Great Post..Unseen Rajasthan

tapirgal said...

This place is amazing! It's the kind of place every tourist wants to find - something so distinctive and unique to the location. I'm sure the locals really enjoy it, too. I ove the building and the way it looks with all the beautiful artifacts in it - and then, just to make it more wonderful, you can eat there, too! This is great!

Unseen Rajasthan said...

BEautiful Museum !! Would love to see it in a person someday !!Unseen Rajasthan

cieldequimper said...

La caverne d'Ali Baba. I bet it smells wonderful in there too, you know the distinctive smell of old style shipshandlers?

Gunn said...

I think it is nice and also important that places like this are used and well looked after. Interesting and nice shots!:-)

Fio said...

Amazing place. Thank you for sharing!

amatamari© said...

Is so beautiful this museum
"hidden" !
Perhaps because it is not open to the public there is an atmosphere
very suggestive.
Thanks, wonderful post!

brattcat said...

This place is a great example of a contemporary 'box of wonders'. That first photo with the flags is a real looker.

Hilda said...

I agree with Ciel — a cave of treasures! I'd have a hard time sitting still for dinner here, I'd want to look at everything!

I really, really like those old wooden chests. And they look so lovingly taken care of too.

joo said...

Very interesting place - would love to spend a while there:)

Cezar and Léia said...

This is really a piece of art!
God bless you!
Cezar

Stefan Jansson said...

Great job by Giampaolo.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

what a cool place to hang out. I agree with jacob it is like a social club and museum wrapped into one.

Unknown said...

This looks like an amazing place to visit! And the location is just fantastic!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Thant looks like a fun and very interesting place to visit.

Baruch said...

Oh how interesting is this! I could spend hours in museums!

Tinsie said...

That looks like an interesting place.