The Wolfsoniana Genoa collection is a must-see for anyone interested in 20th-century art, design, and history. Founded by Mitchell Wolfson Jr., it includes more than 17,000 objects ranging from furniture to propaganda posters and industrial artefacts.

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Born in Miami Beach in 1939, Wolfson began collecting at the age of 12. Over time, his passion grew into a mission: preserving everyday objects that reflect the culture and values of modern society. Today, Genoa hosts a significant part of this unique collection.

A Mission Beyond Collecting

For Wolfson, collecting has always been more than a hobby. As he explains, every artwork represents a piece of human history that should be preserved for future generations. His collection helps visitors understand the past and reflect on how design has shaped our daily lives.

Not Just a Museum: A Journey Through Time

The Wolfsoniana collection is split between Miami Beach and Nervi, in Genoa. But “Don’t call it a museum!”, Wolfson insists, describing this space more as an interactive journey through the 20th century. Chronologically and thematically organized, the collection invites visitors to travel back in time and explore significant moments and styles of the last century.

Pieces of a Historical Mosaic

“I’ve collected so many objects without realizing how meaningful they could be as a whole,” Wolfson reflects, calling his artifacts “pieces of a mosaic.” His vast collection includes Belle Époque mahogany furniture crafted by the Milanese firm Luigi Fontana & C., a 1909 copy of the Manifesto del Futurismo, first published in Le Figaro, World War I propaganda posters, and vibrant Art Deco items such as tea sets, armchairs, cupboards, and even models of planes and trains. When Wolfson acquired many of these items, they were considered outdated or even unfashionable. “I was never attracted to the beauty of a piece, I just bought things that people kept hidden in drawers or cellars,” Micky says.

A Global Collection with Local Roots

Today, the Wolfsoniana stands as one of the world’s most unique modern art and design collections. Each piece tells a story, capturing the essence of an era most of us have only read about. Visiting the Wolfsoniana is like stepping into a time capsule, where each item provides insight into the culture, ideals, and aesthetics of its time.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re intrigued by this remarkable collection, the Wolfsoniana awaits you in Genoa. For more details, check out the website: https://www.museidigenova.it/it/wolfsoniana