Overview
At the M9 Museum in Mestre, the 20th century is multimedia
A snapshot of history, between the real and virtual
The first multimedia museum in Italy and a rare example of one in Europe. M9, in Mestre, is a vast exhibition space dedicated to the history of a key century in the lives of Italians: the 20th century. The display is immersive, the narration of events, fashions, trends and objects uses only multimedia supports. Making for an interactive, educational and entertaining museum experience.
A customised visit
The M9 Museum retraces the 20th century through a series of installations including photos, videos, documentaries, advertising posters, television programmes, newspapers and magazines. You will move around the two floors containing the permanent exhibition, while the third is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Unlike a traditional museum, you create your own route, dwelling on what interests you most. Pop on your virtual reality goggles and access your favourite content, select films, audio files, enjoy the touch screens, tap everything and let yourself be enveloped in 3D representations. Everything here takes place through audience interaction.
The century when everything changed
The M9 Museum showcases the century that changed the world: exhibits recount the two World Wars, the economic boom, consumerism. Watch the unforgettable Caroselli and the images of the Fiat 500s overloaded with families on their way to their holiday home; have a smile in front of the black and white photos of the first television sets; find out when table football or the first Moka coffee maker were born.
Smart games and vintage selfies for children
Children are given a discounted ticket, in some cases free of charge: there are many attractions for them to learn through engaging games. Maybe together with grandparents, exceptional guides who can add to the visit with personal memories and stories about the world they grew up in. The little ones can take a period photo, and see their picture recreated with clothes and hats from a bygone era. Alternatively, they might dance by choosing songs from a giant, super-intelligent jukebox, which turns up the volume as they dance. Or even try being a factory worker, playing on the assembly line at Fiat, to learn the process of building a car.
Between cafés and bistros, inside the hi-tech hub
Don't just explore the museum. M9 is part of a larger hub, a cultural hub open for events, conferences and temporary exhibitions. The architecture is also worthy of appreciation, the star of a project to redevelop a building block in Mestre that had been uninhabitable for years and is now sparkling. The building was designed by the architects Sauerbruch & Hutton, an award-winning firm from Berlin. They have recovered a former 16th century convent and the monastery has become a square, housing offices and shops: it is well worth a wander here. The main building, on the other hand, is covered with multicoloured ceramic strips laid diagonally to create a spectacular effect. The M9 Museum is located in the large triangular block with a terrace at the top. Drop in here to admire the panorama of Mestre's historic centre from a vantage point. Wander among the cafés and bistros, art galleries and shops. For families, don't miss the one with wooden toys. After a lot of technology, the old, nostalgic wooden toys are now back in the limelight.
An app to create your own coffee
Of the various catering outlets, Caffè Diemme Italian Attitude provides the perfect made-in-Italy coffee experience, with one eye on tradition and the other on innovation. The coffees and cappuccinos are outstanding, and the flavoured coffee drinks menu is original. And just like at the M9 Museum, customisation rules here.
The My Coffee Attitude App that can be used on the café's tablets enables you to create your own blend from 4 starting ingredients. Blend the various Arabica types to taste and your personal blend is made. Enjoy your coffee and take home the blend, which the staff will package up for you.
You can even eat here, choosing from pastries, pizzas and flatbreads.
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