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International museum and
library of music of Bologna

Museum / The collections / The Workshop of Otello Bignami

Otello Bignami was a string instrument-maker in Bologna from 1914 to 1989. His workshop was donated to the Comune di Bologna by his heirs and was faithfully reconstructed in a room situated on the ground floor of Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti.

Otello Bignami learned his skill from Gaetano Pollastri, and over the course of 40 years of incessant artistic activity, he obtained international recognition in the instrument-making field and became a prestigious member of the Bolognese string instrument-making school in the 1900's.

His great experience passed on to the students of the professional school, which started at the end of the 1970's, has been a determining factor in assuring the continuity of the Bolognese tradition in the art of making string instruments.

In the workshop, which still functions perfectly and is outfitted with all the equipment, moulds, varnishes, and work tools used by the master, it's possible to carry out guided tours by appointment where an expert will illustrate the principle work phases and methods used in the creation of the instruments.

ATTENTION: WE ARE SORRY BUT CURRENTLY THE LABORATORY CANNOT BE VISITED FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.