Visiting Venice: How to Fall for a Cliched City
Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo
This museum is part fashion history, part perfume, part Venetian trade tales. And it is all-around awesome.
In the first half, you’ll get to see what was popular to wear during the 1700s and 1800s in Venice. Silks and gowns and men’s high-heels are a sampling of what you’ll find, but my favorite was probably the men’s waistcoat room. If you are a costumer, prepare to nerd out.
The other side of the museum is devoted to the perfume trade in Venetian history. I didn’t realize this when I first arrived, and never thought perfume would be all that interesting. But I’m glad I gave that part a chance, because it was awesome.
A video shows you the basics of Venetian trade and introduces you to Venice’s worldwide reputation in the perfume industry. From there, you’re allowed into several rooms where you can smell samples, learn about scent mixing, and discover what you like (and what you hate). I personally am a big fan of the blends that smell like trees.
The museum gift shop carries some of the popular blends, but they aren’t cheap! Consider taking notes as you browse if you want to DIY at home.
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