The Piccolo Museo del Diario (Little Museum of Diaries) is the public-facing display of the Archivio Diaristico Nazionale, Italy’s National Diary Archive, dedicated to preserving centuries of written memories from “common people” all across the country.
Founded by journalist Saverio Tutino in 1984, the Diary Archive now holds nearly 10,000 diaries in all shapes and forms – authentic and private stories from people of all walks of life, offering a unique perspective on Italian history and an intimate exploration of what it means to go through the journey of life. Tutino founded the archive after visiting Pieve Santo Stefano, a town once completely destroyed by bombing in WWII, and deciding that the memories of everyone, not just famous and historical figures, should be preserved for future generations. Thanks to his vision and the work of the Archive, Pieve Santo Stefano is now known as the Città del Diario, the City of Diaries.
The museum displays just some of the Archive’s collection, using a combination of audio, video, light, and photo elements to take visitors into the heart of these personal stories. As you hear, see, and touch the countless stories of the Archive, you’ll begin to feel the shared sense of humanity that is at the at core of the Museum’s mission.