Museum of Peasant Culture Museo Laboratorio
A deeply personal museum showcasing the dignity and richness of peasant life in Matera through recreated homes and artisan workshops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more owner interaction
Museum of Peasant Culture Museo Laboratorio
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more owner interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A deeply personal museum showcasing the dignity and richness of peasant life in Matera through recreated homes and artisan workshops.
"This is the best 4 euros you will spend in Matera; a profound, humanistic tribute to peasant life."
💰 Unbeatable Value
At just €4, this is arguably the best value attraction in Matera. Don't miss out!
🗣️ Chat with the Owner
If you speak Italian, engage with the owner; his personal stories are incredibly insightful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Recreated Traditional Rooms
Various sections of the museum
Step into meticulously recreated rooms showcasing traditional homes, barber shops, and artisan workshops from the early 1900s.
Artisan Workshops
Dedicated sections
Explore authentic tools and displays from blacksmiths, shoemakers, and barbers, offering a tangible connection to past livelihoods.
Personal Stories and Poems
Throughout the museum
Discover heartfelt poems and stories that capture the community spirit and values of peasant life, adding a human touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Crowds, Embrace Authenticity
Connect with Matera's Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Unbeatable Value
At just €4, this is arguably the best value attraction in Matera. Don't miss out!
🗣️ Chat with the Owner
If you speak Italian, engage with the owner; his personal stories are incredibly insightful. +1
🚶♀️ Skip the Cave House Queues
A fantastic alternative to crowded cave houses, offering more to see for less.
📚 Personal Memento
The owner may sign books with heartfelt inscriptions, creating a special souvenir.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Unbeatable Value
At just €4, this is arguably the best value attraction in Matera. Don't miss out!
🗣️ Chat with the Owner
If you speak Italian, engage with the owner; his personal stories are incredibly insightful. +1
🚶♀️ Skip the Cave House Queues
A fantastic alternative to crowded cave houses, offering more to see for less.
📚 Personal Memento
The owner may sign books with heartfelt inscriptions, creating a special souvenir.
👨👩👧 Educational for Kids
A highly educational visit for children, offering a journey back in time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise the Museum of Peasant Culture for its authenticity, depth, and incredible value. Many highlight the personal touch of the owner, Donatello, and the profound humanistic tribute to peasant life. It's considered a must-visit for an intimate understanding of Matera's heritage, often preferred over more crowded attractions.
"I can't recommend the Museum of Rural Life in Matera enough. This isn't just a collection of old tools; it's a profound, humanistic tribute to a way of life that is often misunderstood. The owner, Donatello, has created a space that beautifully honours the values and beliefs of peasants.
For me, the experience was especially personal as my own family were peasants. The museum's focus on the dignity of their lives—the poems, the stories, the sense of strong community between people and animals—truly resonated with me. It serves as a beautiful reminder that great wealth is not a prerequisite for a rich life.
I was incredibly touched when Donatello signed a book for me with a heartfelt inscription. It's a powerful memento from a man who has dedicated himself to preserving and sharing these important values. If you want to feel something deeply and connect with the real heart of Matera, you must visit."
Maria Dzaleta
"What an incredible place! Stuffed full of some much stuff! From magazines from the 1930's to old furniture, from old tools and equipment to a complete 1900's barber shop. If you really want to see how people lived 100+ years ago, skip the queues and overcrowded cave houses and come here. The entry fee is only 4 euro and there is way more to see here than at the cave houses! I stubbled across this place pretty much by accident but besides Matera itself this was best place I visited, so glad I found it. Would highly recommend it and if I am ever in Matera again I would definitely make a repeat visit. If you are visiting Matera you have to come here!"
Matthew Pudduck
"I cannot give enough stars to this amazing museum. I wish I could give 10 stars. The museum is organized into rooms, each showing a different part of a traditional home, a barbershop, Schoemaker shop, a blacksmith workplace, a priests room, just to name a few. The gentleman that assembled this museum collected items from six different homes and they are displayed in an original Sassi home. He himself grew up here, so if you speak Italian, you can talk with him about what it was like. The entrance fee is only four euros… It will be the best four euros you spend here in Matera!"
Dr. Hanna Ekstrom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the Sassi di Matera, making it easily accessible on foot from the historic center. It's a short walk from many popular viewpoints and attractions.
Parking in the Sassi is very limited. It's best to park in one of the designated parking areas outside the historic center and walk.
The museum is housed in an original Sassi home, which can have uneven surfaces and stairs. It may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
Wander through the charming alleyways of the Sassi; the museum is well worth the exploration. Many visitors stumble upon it and are delighted.
While there isn't direct public transport into the Sassi, buses stop at the edge of the historic center, requiring a walk to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is incredibly affordable at only €4 per person, making it one of the best value experiences in Matera. +2
Advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival, especially during off-peak hours.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daytime hours. It's advisable to check locally or upon arrival, especially outside peak season.
While the €4 price is already very low, inquire about potential discounts for students or seniors if applicable, though it's not widely advertised.
It's unlikely to be part of major tourist passes, as its charm lies in its independent, personal nature. The low entry fee makes it easy to visit separately.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a vast collection of artifacts, including recreated traditional homes, artisan workshops (barber, blacksmith, shoemaker), old tools, furniture, magazines, and personal items. +3
While not a modern interactive museum, the recreated rooms and displays offer a highly immersive experience. The real interaction comes from speaking with the owner. +1
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the extensive collection and soak in the atmosphere. Some visitors spend longer if they engage with the owner. +1
Formal guided tours are not common. The owner often provides personal insights if you engage with him, which is a more unique experience. +1
Unlike the more curated Sassi cave houses, this museum offers a broader, more personal collection of daily life and artisan tools, often with direct stories from the collector.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always polite to ask the owner or staff if you're unsure, especially if using flash.
The recreated rooms, detailed artisan tools, and vintage items offer fantastic photographic subjects. Capture the textures and historical details.
Avoid intrusive flash photography that could damage delicate artifacts or disturb other visitors. Focus on capturing the essence of the exhibits.
It's best to ask for permission before taking photos of the owner, as he is a private individual who generously shares his collection. +1
Lighting can be atmospheric but sometimes dim in certain sections. Be prepared to adjust your camera settings or use a tripod if needed for low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the low entry fee of just €4, making it an affordable outing. The museum's layout, while authentic to a Sassi home, is generally manageable for families. Encourage your children to observe the details and ask questions – it's a fantastic opportunity for learning outside the classroom. Engaging with the owner, if possible, can add an extra layer of storytelling that kids will remember.
💰 Budget Travelers
This museum is a perfect example of how to experience Matera's heritage without breaking the bank. It's a chance to see authentic displays of daily life and artisan crafts that are both educational and deeply moving. Combine this visit with exploring the free-to-wander Sassi districts for a rich, low-cost Matera adventure.
❤️ Couples and History Buffs
The museum offers a rich tapestry of Matera's past, from domestic life to the intricacies of artisan trades. For history buffs, the authenticity of the artifacts and the owner's passion provide invaluable context. Engaging with Donatello, the curator, can lead to fascinating conversations about the region's social history, making the visit not just educational but also deeply personal and memorable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision Behind Museo Laboratorio
Donatello's vision goes beyond mere display. He aims to honor the values, beliefs, and strong community bonds that characterized peasant existence. The inclusion of poems, stories, and depictions of human-animal relationships highlights a profound sense of richness that transcended material wealth. For many visitors, especially those with family ties to rural traditions, this aspect of the museum resonates deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and beauty found in simpler lives.
This dedication makes the museum a standout experience in Matera. It offers a stark contrast to the more commercialized attractions, providing an authentic and educational journey. The low entry fee of €4 further enhances its appeal, making it an accessible and unforgettable stop for anyone seeking to connect with the true heart of Matera.
A Journey Through Time: What to See
Beyond the homes, the museum showcases a remarkable array of artisan workshops. Marvel at the authentic tools and setups of a barber shop, a shoemaker's studio, and a blacksmith's forge. These exhibits are not just displays; they are tangible connections to the skills and labor that sustained communities. You'll also find collections of vintage magazines, old equipment, and cisterns, all contributing to a comprehensive picture of daily existence.
What truly sets this museum apart is the personal touch. The owner's passion is evident in every corner, and his willingness to share stories and insights (especially if you speak Italian) elevates the experience from a simple visit to a meaningful encounter. This blend of historical artifacts and personal narrative makes the Museum of Peasant Culture an unmissable destination for understanding Matera's heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit