MUVES - Museo delle vestimenta

MUVES, the Museum of Traditional Dress in Campobasso, presents the Collezione Scasserra, a collection of Molisan clothing, jewellery and photographs assembled by Antonio Scasserra. It opened in 2025 in the Scasserra family's villa.

Why it matters

The museum documents the material culture of dress in Molise, presenting clothing as part of the region's social history rather than as folklore alone. The collection was recognised as being of notable cultural interest and preserves garments, ornaments and images gathered through decades of research.

What to notice

The displays include traditional dresses, shirts and jackets, popular jewellery and historic photographs. Headdresses known as mappe carry social meaning, including indications of marital status. The museum's presentation follows themes of tradition and roots, with particular attention to the Molisan bride and the jewellery worn with regional dress.

Context and history

Antonio Scasserra assembled the collection over about two decades through research in villages across Molise. The museum opened in June 2025 at the family's villa in Campobasso, bringing together objects and records that had largely remained in family homes and private collections. Its holdings support the study and preservation of Molisan clothing traditions.