Museum of Mediterranean Masks: A Journey into the Mysteries of Carnival

The Museum of Mediterranean Masks in Mamoiada is a truly unique cultural institution, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the ancient rituals of Carnival and the masked figures of Sardinia and the broader Mediterranean world.

Located in the heart of Barbagia, this museum offers a fascinating journey that goes far beyond simple folklore, delving into the deep relationship between humanity, nature, and the sacred, expressed through the timeless symbolism of masks.

Ancestral Traditions of Mamoiada

The first section of the museum is entirely dedicated to the famous Mamoiada Carnival, featuring the iconic figures of the Mamuthones and Issohadores.

• The Mamuthones, clad in black sheepskins and wearing dark wooden masks, embody pain, endurance, and sacrifice, their slow, rhythmic movements echoing the cycles of nature and human fate.
• The Issohadores, dressed in red and white, symbolize hope and community, using their ropes (“sohas”) to capture bystanders as a gesture of good luck and prosperity.

Together, these characters represent the eternal balance between chaos and order, life and death, winter and rebirth — themes deeply rooted in Sardinia’s rural and spiritual identity.

Masks from the Mediterranean World

The second section — the only one of its kind in Italy — showcases masks and costumes from other Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Spain, Croatia, and Switzerland.

This comparative display highlights striking similarities and shared cultural roots among distant peoples, all bound by rituals invoking fertility, renewal, and the cyclical return of life after the dark season.

Through these connections, the museum reveals how ancient European traditions form a shared symbolic language that transcends borders.

Beyond the Exhibition

The Museum of Mediterranean Masks is not just a place of display — it is a living center of culture and education.

It regularly organizes workshops, conferences, and guided tours, where visitors can learn the traditional mask-making techniques and explore the anthropological meaning behind these mysterious figures that continue to define Sardinia’s identity.

Visitor Information

📍 Address: Via del Carmine, 14 – 08024 Mamoiada (NU), Italy

📞 Phone: +39 0784 569018

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: museodellemaschere.it

🕒 Opening Hours:

Hours vary seasonally. Generally open daily. It is advisable to check the official website or call ahead for updated schedules, especially on holidays.

🎟️ Tickets:

• Full price: €5.00
• Reduced: €3.00 (for children, school groups, and organized visits)
• Free admission for residents of Mamoiada and selected categories.

♿ Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Visiting the Museum of Mediterranean Masks means uncovering the mystical essence of Carnival, where ancient rituals, communal identity, and artistic expression merge into a powerful celebration of life and transformation — a journey into the timeless spirit of the Mediterranean.

Cover photo credits: Museo delle Maschere Mediterranee, Google Maps