Museo Storico della Radio, dei Grammofoni, del Cinema e degli strumenti musicali meccanici (1760-1960) This peculiar, private museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site) occupies over 600 square meters and is characterised by 800 objects (collected by the Director in over 30 years of research) describing the history of the radio from its origins to the present day. The promoter and Director of this unique museum is the Bolognese Knight Giovanni Pelagalli, born in 1941, an electronic technician and self-proclaimed "magician". The first version of this museum was established in 1952. Giovanni Pelagalli personally guides the museum visits, offering detailed explanations and often switching on devices and instruments for an extra-special guided tour. As a gift for his guests, Giovanni always performs one of his magic tricks. For other museums and collections in Bologna, see the list. The exposition rooms cover more than 2000 m. Over 800 original working devices are shown that describe: The history of the Radio - from ancient history to Marconi up to the radios of the present day. The history of Phonography - from Edison’s Tin Foil dating back to 1878 to hand-operated and horn gramophones etc. The history of the musical mechanical machines of the 18th and 19th centuries - orchestrion, cylinder organs, carillons, automates etc. The Marconi Room - extremely rare original pieces are shown here, "signed" by Marconi; Marconian relics, "Here my father lives again!" said Marconi’s daughter, princess Elettra, when visiting the Museum and the room dedicated to her father. The Ducati Room - civil and military radio appliances, cameras, precision mechanical tools, motors and motorcycles, research documents etc. are exposed here. The exhibition sheds light on the irrepressible genius of the three Ducati brothers, Adriano, Marcello and Bruno, who, starting from 1924, contributed to extend the passion for engines from Bologna to the whole world. The history of Television - from the Raytheon lamp for mechanical "radiovision" of 1928, to the first black and white TV, up to the first experimental colour TV with a round screen, etc. The history of the Italian and Neapolitan Song - over 5000 songs and original records of the time; LPs and singles, "strange" records turning at 80 and 120 rpm up to modern recordings. Moreover, 1000 original music sheets are also displayed. The Library - rare vintage books and magazines on the Museum’s themes. The Film Library - over 400 movies, movie posters and playbills. The Friendship Room – located next to the Museum, it is equipped with audio, video SAT and digital devices for the monthly meetings of the "Friends of the Museum".
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