« previousnext »

Museo del Cristallo, the museum is situated in Colle di Val d' Elsa, founded in 2001.

The collection has been put together to offer a complete overview of the crystal-making craft, the aim being to chart and to preserve the history of this material. The most extensive section, "Colle di Val d' Elsa, from glass to crystal", traces the development of the local glassmaking industry from 1820 until lead crystal was definitively introduced in Colle. Space is also devoted to pre-industrial work, with a number of glass items from the 14th and 15th centuries, while another section focuses on articles produced by internationally famous architects and designers, who began working with firms in Colle around 1960s.

Crystal exhibition

The traditional annual "Cristallo tra le mura", Crystal within the city walls, event is a union of art and crystal. The exhibition is held in September in the atmospheric and picturesque street and alleys of the historic town centre of Colle di Val d' Elsa. For the occasion a kiln is set up inside the splendid medieval castle where master glassworkers give live demonstrations of their ability to blow and mould glass. The fine products of Colle’s crystal works are exhibited in the town’s workshops and studios.

For more information visit

• Museo del Cristallo