Museo della Figurina: A World of Collectible Cards

The Museo della Figurina, or Collectible Card Museum, opened in 2006 and is located within the Palazzo Santa Margherita in Modena, Italy. It is dedicated to the fascinating world of collectible cards, stickers, and other small printed items. The museum was born from the passion of Giuseppe Panini, founder of the Panini Group, who began collecting these items in conjunction with his business. Panini's vision was to create a museum that would document the origins and development of collectible cards, from their historical roots to modern production techniques. In 1992, Panini donated his extraordinary collection to the city of Modena, recognizing it as the world capital of modern collectible cards. Today, the museum is managed by the AGO Foundation. The museum's collection includes not only traditional trading cards and stickers but also related materials such as antique prints, matchboxes, poster stamps, paper money, menus, and pocket calendars. The permanent exhibition is organized into thematic areas, including the origins of collectible cards, the history of chromolithography, and the evolution of sports cards. Temporary exhibitions showcase specific themes, ranging from science fiction to advertising and biodiversity. Visitors can explore the museum's displays, which are designed to resemble giant albums that can be opened and browsed. The museum also features a laboratory for educational activities and a specialized library.