The culture spread in the small museums of Varallo Sesia
In addition to the most famous complexes of the Sacro Monte and the Palazzo dei Musei, Varallo Sesia hosts five small museums that enhance a recent past and deepen themes related to the art and material culture of Valsesia.
The minor museums of Varallo Sesia are dedicated to themes ranging from railways to antique watchmaking, from energy to the tradition of Valsesian fishing, to the museum dedicated to Cesare Scaglia, one of the most famous painters of this geographical area.
The Valsesian Railway Museum, now closed for renovations, is located in the historic railway station of Varallo and preserves materials and memorabilia that have marked the history of the Novara–Varallo line, inaugurated in 1886.
The Antique Watchmaking Museum was established in 2022 with the aim of bringing the public closer to the ancient art of watchmaking. It is located inside a small historic house from the 17th century in the center of Varallo, a few steps from the main square. From sundials to the first wristwatches, the museum space guides visitors through the evolution of this timeless art.
The Fishing Museum is located on the first floor of the elegant Palazzo D’Adda. Founded and created by the Valsesian Sports Fishermen Society in 2014, it aims to tell the uniqueness of the traditional “alla valsesiana” fly fishing technique, known worldwide for its skill in making flies and rods as well as for its casting technique.
The Energy Museum has been in the area of the former Cotonificio Rotondi since 2017 and offers a peculiar overview of the history of industrialization in the area. The machines housed here allow visitors to admire some steam equipment used in the cotton processing chain, among the largest in Europe.
The Casa Museo Cesare Scaglia is dedicated to the Valsesian painter (1866-1944), defined as “The painter of open air”, famous for his introspective works. The exhibition offers a collection not only of paintings but also of furniture, decorative objects, books, jewelry, and memorabilia, thus providing a comprehensive image of the artist's figure and a snapshot of the era in which he lived.
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