THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST MUSEUM

In Cavona, a surprising window to discover the American Wild West

In the heart of the hamlet of Cavona, in Cuveglio, there is a surprising window onto the American Far West:The American Southwest Museum.This small but fascinating museum was founded thanks to the bequest of surgeon Enzo "Larry" Vescia, who during his stays in the United States – between Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico – amassed a vast collection of artifacts from pre-Columbian Indo-American civilizations and the pioneer culture of the American Southwest.

Upon his death in 1989, his wife donated the collection to the Municipality of Cuveglio, which the following year placed it in the abandoned nursery school in Cavona. The collection now includes over 300 pieces., including native artifacts, historic weapons, headdresses, period documents, and objects belonging to pioneers.

In 2020, the museum was enriched by a second collection, donated by another avid traveler, Fabrizio Colonna, from Alessandria, which further expanded the cultural heritage on display.

Entrance to the museum is free, with donations welcome, and every year it welcomes a growing number of visitors, including many school groups.

Thanks to the commitment of local volunteers and a shared passion for Western culture, the museum today represents unique example in Italy of permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the American Southwest. The cataloging and evaluation work was carried out by Prof. Charles A. Dailey of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fé, giving further scientific value to the collection which represents a small cultural treasure hidden in the Lombard mountains.

Opening hoursSundays from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The museum is open by appointment, including guided tours, on other days and at other times. The museum is closed to the public from December 1st to January 31st each year. Visits during this period are by appointment only.

Contacts: urp@museovescia.org - 0332 650 107

Website: https://museovescia.org/index.html