Sweet, creamy icy-cold gelato in distinct flavors like hazelnut and pistachio can be found throughout Italy--the candy-colored concoctions tempting behind glass cases. Now tourists and locals alike can lick to their hearts content while learning about its history at the Gelato Museum Carpigiani near Bologna, Italy.
The museum, which opened Sept. 27, is approximately seven miles outside of Bologna in Anzola dell'Emilia was created to cover the history, culture and technology of gelato and "the expertise of the innovators who drove its evolution over the centuries," says the museum's website.
According to the museum website, more than 20 original machines will be shown at the museum "along with multimedia presentations, 10,000 historical images and documents, precious accessories and tools of the trade from ages past, video interviews, and workshops."
USA Today reported that an hour long tour at the museum includes an arab pomegranate sorbet recipe from the 11th century and a history lesson on the invention of Italian gelato by alchemist and astrologer Cosimo Ruggieri.
Reported by Al Jazeera, the 1,000 square metere museum had plans to open for more than ten years. CEO Andrea Cocchi said, "To know the past, it also helps to feed the future."
The museum is located in the headquarters for Carpigiani which is creates gelato-making machines. The end of the tour includes an anticipated gelato tasting which includes staples like strawberry and chocolate as well as historical recipes that were included in the museum.
"It's an unforgettable experience for all the senses," said the museum's curator, Luciana Polliotti to Al Jazeera. "Memory isn't just based on sight and sound but also our taste buds, which are often a stronger sense."
Admission is free.
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