Beginning in the mid-19th century, Italians were drawn from the mountains of northern Italy to the rest of the world. Between 1861 and 1914, around 14 million people left their homeland in search of better living and working conditions. One destination was the growing metropolis of Berlin, where the settlement of Italians was primarily concentrated in Prenzlauer Berg.
With their specialty crafts and trades, Italian immigrants shaped the district for decades. The company Cocchi, Bacigalupo & Graffigna on Schönhauser Allee became world-famous with its production of barrel organs and orchestrions. Several of these are on display in the exhibition, alongside other mechanical musical instruments. As part of the multi-year extensive renewal of the Märkisches Museum, this unique collection of the Stadtmuseum Berlin is on loan to the Museum Pankow.
The exhibition in cooperation with the Stadtmuseum Berlin connects the settlement and migration history of the Italians with the history of mechanical music. Regular demonstrations of the historical instruments bring them to life. An extensive accompanying program, including events for children and school groups, music events, film series, city rallies, and guided tours, complements the exhibition.
An exhibition by Museum Pankow. In cooperation with the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin. Supported by the Lotto Stiftung Berlin and the Bezirkskulturfonds. Supported by the Internationale Drehorgelfreunde Berlin e. V.
