Museum of the Radio and Television (RAI)
In Turin's RAI building, located in Via Po, and whose windows reflect the most representative symbol of the city (the Antonelliana Tower), you can find the only museum dedicated to the Italian Radio and Television.
The museum's collection includes a large number of technical devices that appeared as the result of the evolution of radio and television technologies over the last two hundred years.
The collection began to be formed in the 70s of the last century. Most of it was initially made up of exhibits from private collections donated to the museum.
During the latest reconstruction of the museum, it was decided to remove the protecting glass showcases. As a result, museum guests can get to know much more closely the exhibits and try and test them in action.
The first part of the museum is dedicated to the history of the radio. The initial Morse codes and telegraph machines, as well as radios dating back to the 1930s are displayed.
The second part of the museum is dedicated to the history of the television. Here you can also see interesting models of TV sets dating back to the 60s.
In the centre of the hall there is an array of various types of microphones that were used by presidents, sportscasters and famous singers.
Part of the space of the museum is occupied by the “On Air studio”, where some RAI programs are still live broadcasted and interviews take place.
Right behind it there is a large wall adorned with photographs of famous Italian radio hosts, actors and directors that worked at the RAI production studios.
The exposition ends up with broadcasts from the well-known annual Italian song festival in San Remo, which once inspired the creators of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Last but not least, those who love to sing, read poetry or just to perform in public are given the opportunity to "appear on television" and demonstrate their abilities "on the air."
The small but very informative museum is an example of the city's great technical achievements that have gone along its long history. The museum is open every day (except Saturdays and Sundays). To visit the museum, you can contact the guide Ludmila.
