Established by the Provincial Government of Pistoia and inaugurated in 1990, the Ecomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains was the first Ecomuseum in Italy, an innovative project, which received a Targa d’Oro award in Parma as the best example of Apennine region enhancement.
Over twenty years it has been developed and extended, reaching an almost final form; since November 2011 it has being managed by the Association Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese, based in Gavinana, inside the historical Palazzo Achilli.

In 2015 it was accredited as a regional relevance Ecomuseum by the Tuscan Regional Government (Decree no. 3949 of 02/09/2015); every year it has more than 11,000 visitors – school parties, groups and individuals.

The Ecomuseum accompanies you leisurely to discover testimonies and traditions, telling about centuries of human history and work in the Pistoia Mountains region, where specific environmental and historical factors have affected the economy and culture of its inhabitants.
Ironworks, water mills, ice-houses and an extraordinary naturalistic heritage are waiting for you, to engage you in an authentic vintage dimension, on a continuous journey between present and past.

The Association Ecomuseo della Montagna Pistoiese is the leader of SiMoP - Pistoia Mountains Museum System and SET - Tuscany Ecomuseum System.