INAUGURATION OF IRIS CERAMICA GROUP’S MUSEO STORICO

There was a large turnout on Thursday 23 May 2019 for the inauguration of the Iris Ceramica Group’s Museo Storico, dedicated to the story of a journey initiated by Romano Minozzi, founder and President of the Group in 1961, and carried forward today by his daughter Federica.

The Historical Museum, which is now part of Museimpresa – the Italian association of company museums and archives promoted by Assolombarda and Confindustria – is dedicated to all the people who have been part of Iris Ceramica Group, contributing to the development of its products and the success of the holding company.

The grand opening was attended by Stefano Luconi Corporate Communication Officer of Iris Ceramica Group and spokeperson of Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group, Marco Montemaggi, Museimpresa board member, Francesco Tosi, Mayor of Fiorano Modenese, Gian Carlo Muzzarelli, Mayor of Modena and Gian Domenico Tomei, President of the Province of Modena. The opening was also attended by the architect Federico Gigetti from the Area 17 studio that created the layout of the Historical Museum, as well as the headmaster and two classes of the Venturi Institute of Art of Modena.

The inauguration commenced with the showing of the docufilm “NEWMUSEUM(S). Stories of company archives and museums”, created and directed by Francesca Molteni and promoted by Museimpresa. Following speeches by the various guests, the public had the opportunity to visit the new Museo Storico.

The itinerary follows a chronological thread that accompanies visitors from the early 1960s, showing all the main stages of the Group’s history by means of some 600 objects, including tiles, slabs, trim pieces, catalogues, and publications. The story illustrates the evolution of the Italian ceramic district, in particular of the companies of the Group, but also the innovative communication activities favoured by the drive of Romano Minozzi, whose entrepreneurial vision was always projected toward the future.

This is demonstrated by projects like Pollution and MateriAttiva, successes like the achievement of zero harmful emissions in the industrial hub where the large slabs are produced, but also the philosophy that guides the production devoted to recycling waste and the development of patents such as ACTIVE SURFACES^®, a technology that makes the Group’s ceramic coverings anti-bacterial and active in reducing atmospheric pollution.

From the first glazed tiles to the large panels, from the iconic collections like Tanagra, with the round and arrow tiles, and MA.DE., the first collection to be awarded by ADI, up to important collaborations like the one with the Modenese photographer Franco Fontana. Also on display the advertising campaigns, including a tidbit: an advertisement appeared in a 1975 issue of Mickey Mouse.

A story filled with innovations for a Group that today has nearly 1500 employees and a turnover of more than 500 million, with brands including Iris Ceramica, Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, SapienStone, Ariostea, Eiffelgres, Porcelaingres, and Stonepeak.

The museum will not remain static, but it will continue to enrich itself over time. It will be open on weekdays and Saturday morning.