Museum of Optics – Luxottica Museum
A comprehensive collection of two thousand objects documenting the history of optical instruments and eyewear from the 16th century to the present day.
At a glance
Housed in Agordo, this museum presents an extensive survey of optics and vision correction through original artefacts, rare printed materials, and historic instruments. The collection spans lenses, spectacles, telescopes, microscopes, and related optical devices, with particular strength in European eyewear from the 17th through 20th centuries.
History
The museum documents the technical and cultural evolution of optical devices across five centuries. Among its treasures are original whalebone frames from the 1600s and an 18th-century packing box from a Nuremberg manufacturer still containing six pairs of arched glasses with the maker’s name and address. Early telescopes include an octagonal specimen signed by Giuseppe Campani in 1682, measuring approximately eight metres long—the very instrument used by astronomer Gian Domenico Cassini in the service of Louis XIV to observe the rotations of Jupiter and Mars.
What you see
The eyeglasses section showcases the evolution of frame design: wig glasses, early temples, monocles, theatre glasses, goggles, pince-nez, and nose clips. Venetian sunglasses of the 1700s—the so-called “Goldoni” type—sit alongside pierced-bridge oriental spectacles inscribed with ideograms. Postwar frames from the 1950s are displayed in abundance, representing both avant-garde designs and pieces worn in fashion shows by leading couture houses.
The telescope collection includes Campani’s exceptional octagonal instrument. Microscopes illustrate 18th-century technical development, from simple “flea glasses” through portable versions used by early explorers to compound microscopes manufactured in Nuremberg and London. Period cases in various materials—many still paired with their original eyewear—complete the display.
Cultural significance
The museum preserves a material history of human vision correction and scientific instrument-making. It documents how eyewear evolved from utilitarian object to fashion statement, while honouring the optical innovations that enabled astronomical and microscopic discovery. The library contains texts on optics dating to 1583, grounding the collection in its scientific context.
Key facts
- Address: Corso Patrioti, 7-3, 32021 Agordo
- Phone: +39 0437 62926
- Website: http://www.luxottica.com/it/chi-siamo/museo-dellottica
- Coordinates: 46.281545, 12.0343611
Practical information
Visits are by appointment only. Contact the museum by phone at +39 0437 62926 to arrange your visit.
Getting there
Agordo is located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Check the official website for directions and parking information.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto