“Escapes from the East” is an exhibition that expresses the charm of exoticism in Tuscany between the 19th and 20th centuries” was born from the collaboration between theMUG2 Association for a Solidarity Museum in Massa, the Stibbert Museum and the Alinari Foundation for Photography, with the aim of creating a spiral of cultural and social growth, to enhance and raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity and helping others. For this purpose it was decided to present with this exhibition an aspect of the social and artistic life that has characterized the Tuscan coast since the second half of the nineteenth century, namely that of the oriental influences that became fashionable in Europe during that period. Thanks to the fundamental contribution of the images preserved at the Alinari Archives, to which are added the State Archives of Massa, the Franco Frediani Archives and the Archives of the Italian Touring Club, we managed to create an itinerary focused on the fascination that exoticism had on Tuscan taste between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A distant and mysterious East, but at the same time now reachable not only by the courageous traveller, but also by a wider public thanks to the numerous sales emporiums, and the work of architects, decorators and painters who tried their hand at this new taste, creating a completely original style, especially in the nascent seaside cities, which became its distinctive feature. Orientalism from the rich cosmopolitan bourgeoisie permeated all strata of society, inspiring fashion and leisure opportunities, soon entering the carnival celebrations, both in Florence and Viareggio. A fascinating exhibition that makes us relive well-known places, such as the city of Massa or the beaches of Viareggio and Apuo-Versilia, with different eyes to learn more about our traditions, to consolidate culture and help ourselves and the relationships between human beings grow . Knowing and helping are the principles that underlie the close collaboration in this great cultural initiative supported by the municipality of Massa, between the Stibbert Museum, the Alinari Foundation for Photography and the MUG2 Association for a Solidarity Museum.
