They call it the museum in the clouds, because its irregular architectural volumes recall the crystalline structure of dolomite. The MMM Dolomites is a glass tower built on a pre-existing World War I fort in the rocks of Monte Rite at 2181 metres. The structure was discovered in 1998 by Reinhold Messner – the first mountaineer to climb Mount Everest without additional oxygen – who decided to give the outpost a new lease of life by incorporating it into his museum complex, the Messner Mountain Museum.
The museum circuit comprises six locations (Firmian, Ortles, Dolomites, Juval, Ripa and Corones) spread across the Alps of South Tyrol and Belluno. Each museum revolves around a theme of historical, geological and geographical interest.
The MMM Dolomites is the only museum located in the Belluno region and houses archaeological finds that testify to the origin of Dolomite rock, the common thread running through the entire route.
Inside the MMM Dolomites there is a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Dolomite mountaineering. The exhibits come from Reinhold’s collection and include paintings from the romantic and contemporary periods depicting the Dolomites. Each painting is placed next to large panoramic windows, from which one can admire the surrounding mountains including Civetta, Marmolada, Pelmo and Antelao.
In collaboration with Monica Sandi,
Culture and Tourism Office, Territorial School-Work Alternation Chamber of Commerce of Treviso – Belluno|Dolomites
Translated by Dr Giada Gubert
Intern at the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso – Belluno |Dolomites
