METS – Trentino Ethnographic Museum of San Michele: A Journey Through Time and Traditions

The METS – Trentino Ethnographic Museum of San Michele is one of the most important Alpine ethnographic museums in the world. Founded by Giuseppe Šebesta, it is located in San Michele all’Adige, in the province of Trento, inside a former 12th-century Augustinian monastery, a site of great historical and architectural charm.

What to See and What the METS Offers

The museum features a vast exhibition spread across 43 rooms and displaying around 12,000 objects, documenting the daily life and traditions of the people of Trentino. The collections cover various aspects of rural life—from agriculture to craftsmanship, from popular religiosity to traditional music.

Particularly noteworthy are the sections dedicated to:

• Viticulture and Agriculture: featuring historical tools and equipment used for vine cultivation and land work, fundamental aspects of the local economy and culture.
• Craftsmanship: with reconstructed workshops such as those of the blacksmith, potter, and carpenter.
• Traditions and Folklore: a rich display of traditional costumes, masks, and objects related to festivals and rituals.

The METS is not only a place of preservation but also a center for research and education. It regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, events, conferences, and workshops for both adults and children, exploring topics related to the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Trentino.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Mach, 2, San Michele all’Adige (TN)
• Opening Hours: Usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays (unless public holiday), November 1, December 25, and January 1. It is recommended to check the official website for updates before your visit.
• Tickets: Full price about €6, with discounts for youths (15–26 years), seniors (65+), and groups.
• Official Website: https://www.museosanmichele.it/
• How to Get There:
  • By Car: Take the A22 San Michele all’Adige–Mezzocorona exit, then follow the signs for the town center and the museum.
  • By Train: The nearest FS railway station is Mezzocorona. From there, take the Trento–Malè–Marilleva railway to Grumo San Michele all’Adige, and the museum is within walking distance.

  • By Bicycle: The museum is located along the Adige Valley cycle path, with a pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting it directly to the town of San Michele.

     

Cover photo credits: Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0