In the enchanting city of Turin, a new treasure has just been revealed, ready to delight the most demanding palates and transport visitors on an unprecedented adventure into the kingdom of chocolate. The Chocolate and Gianduja Museuma one-of-a-kind institution in Italy, has just opened its doors, promising an unforgettable experience for cocoa lovers and anyone curious to explore the origins and evolution of this precious food.
A Suggestive Environment Rich in History
The Chocolate Museum of Turin finds its home in a place steeped in history and tradition: the premises of the historic underground laboratory of Pfatisch. Here, in the beating heart of the city, the epic story of the over-hundred-year-old Turin pastry shop Pfatisch, founded way back in 1915, came to life behind the shop windows on Via Sacchi. This fascinating location offers a perfect setting to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of chocolate, a journey that begins from its ancient origins and winds through centuries of evolution and refinement.
A compelling journey from the origins to the present day
The Chocolate Museum of Turin extends over an area of one thousand square metres, offering an engaging journey that retraces the fundamental stages of the history of cocoa. Starting from the ancient Mayan civilizations, where cocoa was appreciated for its healing properties, visitors are led through an exciting journey that will take them to the palaces of the Savoy, where the aristocracy had the privilege of tasting this exotic food for the first time and exclusive.
Historic Machines: Silent Witnesses of a Glorious Era
At the heart of the museum’s layout are the large machines built between the 19th and 20th centuries, true treasures of industrial engineering. These machines, such as the shaker, the pourer for liqueur pralines and the basins to make the chocolate fluid and eliminate its acidity, have been defined as “the Rolls Royce of chocolate” and represent silent witnesses of the great history of cocoa processing.
The Visionary Idea of Francesco Ciocatto and Eddy Van Belle
The Chocolate Museum of Turin is the fruit of a daydream, born almost four years ago from the visionary idea of Francesco Ciocatto, owner of Pfatisch, who took over the pastry shop saving it from bankruptcy, and of Eddy Van Belle, entrepreneur and Belgian collector. Together, they gave life to this precious treasure chest, investing around 2 million euros to make this extraordinary experience possible.
A Multisensory Journey Through the Ages
The museum itinerary leads visitors through a multi-sensory exploration of the first chocolate recipes, imported to the European continent thanks to Hernán Cortés’ expeditions aboard a Spanish galleon, faithfully reproduced in the museum with a window overlooking the ocean. Continuing, we come across a carriage in which Emanuele Filiberto celebrates his marriage to the Infanta of Spain, drinking a cup of steaming hot chocolate and thus bringing this precious product to Turin.
Gianduiotto: icon of Piedmontese chocolate
A room of the museum is dedicated to the first wrapped chocolate in the world: the gianduiotto, an icon of Piedmontese chocolate. Here, a late nineteenth-century machine for shelling precious Piedmont hazelnuts recalls the importance of this ingredient in the creation of this unique delight.
An Immersive and Engaging Experience
The Chocolate Museum of Turin does not limit itself to exhibiting objects and machinery, but offers an immersive and engaging experience. Thanks to the collaboration with Alessandro Rota and the historical re-enactment group “Le vie del tempo”, four short films were made which are an integral part of the route, enriching the experience with vivid images and stories of the past.
An Invitation to Celebrate Tradition and Innovation
The Chocolate Museum of Turin is much more than just a museum: it is a tribute to tradition, a tribute to innovation and an invitation to celebrate the artisanal excellence that has made Turin and Piedmont famous throughout the world for their art confectionery. Whether you are a chocolate enthusiast, a history lover or simply curious to discover new experiences, this museum offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of fascinating flavours, aromas and stories.
