Exhibition “Emilio Balli’s Around the World 1878-1879” from Apr. 01, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2024 at the Valmaggia Museum.
Emilio Balli, inspired by Jules Verne’s recent 1872 book, decided to embark on his journey around the world at the age of 23 in 1878. This adventure takes place more than three hundred years after Magellan’s historic circumnavigation (1519-1522).
A privilege reserved for the few, Emilio, of Cavergnese descent from a successful family, plunges into this extraordinary experience driven by the curiosity of a young naturalist eager to explore the world and endowed with exceptional courage.
Emilio’s journey takes on special importance as he, along with six other adventurers in the period 1870-1879, contributed to the advent of the globalization of tourism.
Documenting this incredible experience with a valuable diary, a rich epistolary, and 14 photo albums, Emilio also received a number of items that have been carefully sorted and stored in his residences for over one hundred and forty years.
Thanks to the cooperation of the heirs, the Valmaggia Museum now has the privilege of displaying these treasures to the public in an exhibition of great significance and prestige, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Emilio Balli’s fascinating journey on “Around the World in 80 Days.”
More information is available here.
