The Lens Of Time

THE EXHIBITION

The temporary exhibition project “THE LENS OF TIME – EYEWEAR FROM ITS ORIGINS TO CINEMA” is conceived, created and promoted by ANFAO, the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers, in collaboration with and curated by the Eyewear Museum Foundation. Following its previous editions in Venice and at MIDO 2026, the exhibition arrives in Rome at Palazzo Piacentini, home to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, featuring a new section dedicated to the relationship between eyewear and cinema, developed in collaboration with Steve Della Casa and with contributions from the National Film Archive of the Experimental Cinematography Centre. The project also benefits from the valuable support of numerous partners, including two prominent private collectors, Roberto Vascellari and Lucio Stramare.

1. DISCOVER MADE IN ITALY EYEWEAR

18 aprile 2024 ore 16:30 - Museo dell’Occhiale di Pieve di Cadore

Sarà un evento convegno alla scoperta del Made in Italy dell’Eyewear in un luogo iconico che rappresenta la storia dell’occhiale italiano e del distretto. Da qui gli occhiali italiani hanno saputo conquistare il mondo e l’occhialeria italiana è diventata una delle eccellenze del Made in Italy.
Partiremo da una ricerca di mercato svolta a fine gennaio sui consumatori di Italia, Francia, Germania, Spagna, UK, USA e Cina sui driver di acquisto degli occhiali da sole e da vista con particolare focus sul ruolo del Made in Italy da cui emerge che gli occhiali sono il quarto bene di consumo Made in Italy più conosciuto dopo l’abbigliamento, il vino e le auto. Insieme a Gabriele Corsi e tanti personaggi del settore e degli altri comparti di punta del Made in Italy, ascolteremo, quindi, uno storytelling fatto di storia, cultura, convivialità, tradizioni, passioni, territorialità e sapori che ci guideranno in un’esperienza unica nella manifattura dell’occhiale italiano.

THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF EYEWEAR

From its origins in the 13th century to contemporary innovations.
The journey guides visitors through large panels with informative textual elements and visual references such as artwork, historical and costume photography, unique details, and original posters. It also offers the opportunity to engage the public through two "virtual doors," providing an immersive experience through interactive technologies.
Two artistic installations, created specifically for this exhibition, will tell the story in an original way and address the theme of sustainability, through the transformation of raw materials and eyewear no longer in use into elements of a powerful and engaging artistic language.

The exhibition also examines the relationship between science, technology, art, and fashion in the history of eyewear, highlighting Italy's role as a center of excellence in eyewear production.