Overview
The history of Perugina, the legendary confectionery manufacturer and the pride of an entire city, is staged in the exhibition spaces of the Perugina Chocolate House and Historical Museum, housed in the factory in the S. Sisto industrial district, on the southern outskirts of Perugia, where you can also admire an all-steel, brightly coloured building with a circular shape that almost resembles a flying saucer: this is the Sandro Penna Media Library.
Along the way, one discovers and delves into dozens of anecdotes and episodes of company life that link the history of Perugina to many historical moments in 20th century Italy. It was founded in 1907 by a group of entrepreneurs, including Francesco Buitoni (heir to the famous family of pasta makers from Sansepolcro), while, from an idea of Luisa Spagnoli, it was in 1922 that the 'first Kiss' made its appearance, later becoming the symbol of many holidays (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or Father's Day), with the famous phrases written on a small sheet of paper that everyone has kept at least once. In short, a chocolate that has made history and is still on the crest of a wave, thanks to its goodness and thanks to successful advertising campaigns and effective marketing operations, such as the recent 'limited edition' by Dolce&Gabbana.
With eyes still filled with the images provided by films, archive photographs and stories of entrepreneurial creativity, it will then be time to observe from above the machinery and workers of the Perugina factory at work, before concluding the tour with a sweet tasting of chocolate and other sweets.
The museum requires compulsory booking, so it is advisable to plan your visit in advance, especially if by chance you would also like to take part in a course and spend a few hours learning how to process cocoa, temper chocolate and mix various ingredients under the guidance of a master chocolatier.
