Gelato, Forever!

As dessert fads come into cities and towns only to quickly vacate and make room for the latest treat, rest assured that gelato is more than a trend.

Lucianna Polliotti

To pay tribute to the immortal and delectable treat that is this Italian ice-cream comes Carpigiani Gelato Museum. Just outside of Bologna, Italy set to open September 27, 2012 the museum pays tribute to the history, culture, and technology of gelato. Enthusiasts planning a trip to Italy must explore the breadth of thousands of years celebrating the life and tradition of the infamous Italian frozen treat. Exhibits planned by a gelato historian and museum curator, Lucianna Polliotti, encompass more than 20 original machines, 10,000 images and documents, and interactive workshops. Admission to the museum is free, but you will need a reservation, gelatomuseum.org

Photograph: Gelato Museum Carpigiani Archive

To plan the ultimate tasting tour of gelato’s homeland gear up for a few other mandatory stops. For those marveled by the existence of gelato wanting a hands-on approach to complete the venture started, schedule a course on gelato making at Carpigiani Gelato University. Yes, a university dedicated to gelato with a mission on gelatouniversity.com which states, “Carpigiani Gelato University has the objective of sustaining the development of gelato shops everywhere and educating the public regarding the pleasure and flavor of genuine Italian gelato.” Profound craftsmanship is built here, undoubtedly. After developing a thorough knowledge of gelato, it is time to put newfound skills to work via taste test.

Photograph: Gelato Museum Carpigiani Archive

Gelato proves withstanding time through acclaimed gelato shops and festivals. Rome’s famed Giolitti, Via Uffici del Vicario, 40 is the highest regarded gelato in the Vatican City. Coordinate this entire feat with Firenze Gelato Festival in May where attendees purchase a gelato card to taste, and likely skip, their way through the participating piazzas.

Italians are known for their love of decadent food that provides more than impeccable taste, it induces joyous occasion, beholds tradition, and indulges in the excellence of their cuisine gifts to the world.

Awarding gelato and the creative history behind this Italian staple confirms it is much more than the trendy, and typically transient, dessert-of-the-moment boutique.


The celebration of gelato strengthens the party it delivers with this well-deserved honor, The Gelato Museum.

Photograph: Gelato Museum Carpigiani Archive

-Maloof, Ashley for Pino Gelato