An educational journey through our history.
Boats are fun, fascinating, and educational.
What are boats for? Boats have always evoked images of great voyages and adventures: sails billowing in the wind as they set out to conquer uncharted lands, amid mermaids and pirates.
The museum houses a collection—unique in the world—of approximately 450 vessels, including motorboats, gondolas, traditional boats from Lake Como, sailboats, and other nautical artifacts, all of which are strictly original.
Through its boats, the museum aims to tell the story of the Lombardy region, which is so rich in history and culture.
THE MUSEUM FOR SCHOOLS
Are you looking for ideas for school field trips?
If you’re looking for ideas for school field trips—no matter what age your class is—the Barca Lariana Museum can be an incredible opportunity.
For young children, the museum is a great opportunity for discovery.
What are boats used for? Boats have always evoked great journeys and adventures: sailing with the wind toward the conquest of uncharted lands, amid mermaids and pirates…but there are also special boats for fishing, for transporting goods, racing boats, pleasure boats, and many more.
By the way, we’ll discover that even Lake Como, many years ago, had its own pirate!
For older visitors, the museum will be an excellent opportunity to journey through the history of Italy: from the ancient Romans, who were the first to sail the waters of Lake Como, to the Byzantines; from Spanish rule to World War II. Each boat tells a small piece of our history. Take, for example, the gondola at Villa Balbianello, built back when Garibaldi was preparing to set sail from Quarto.
Are there any educational activities?
To enhance the museum experience, there are also fun educational workshops available:
From the Forest to the Boat
: Exploring the World of Plants—Woods and Their Unique Characteristics
Throw the rope!
Let’s learn about and play with the main nautical knots.
I’d like a boat for…
—the world of boats as seen through the eyes of children.
How long does an appointment last?
School groups are accompanied by one of our guides, and the museum tour can be easily tailored to the students’ learning level and age, even for preschoolers.
A guided tour of the museum lasts an average of 1 hour and a half. The same amount of time is allocated for the workshops.
How do you get to the museum?
The Barca Lariana Museum is located in Pianello del Lario, on the western shore of Lake Como.
It is 50 km from Como and about 60 km from Lecco and Sondrio.
The museum has ample parking for buses.
Can we make plans for lunch, if that's possible?
The museum is housed in a beautiful historic spinning mill dating from the late 19th century. You can have lunch or a snack outdoors on our lakeside terrace, either with your own packed lunch or with a buffet arranged upon request.
How much does it cost?
Admission to the museum costs 5.00 euros per student; teachers are welcome to attend free of charge. A minimum of 15 students is required. The workshops have a flat rate of 80.00 euros.
The museum is fully accessible.
Is the museum open all year round?
The museum is normally open from early May through late October, but it can also open during the off-season upon request. Visits are possible both in the morning and in the afternoon.
Well, do you like the idea?
If you’d like more information, have any specific requests, or simply want to make a reservation, here are our contact details:
Email: Info@museobarcalariana.it
Call +39.0344.87235
The Museum for Schools
Educational Programs for Preschool, Elementary, and Secondary Schools
Boats are fun, fascinating, and educational.
At the Museo Barca Lariana, every class can explore a unique itinerary, discovering historic boats, construction techniques, and hands-on workshops designed to introduce children and teens to the culture of the water.
The tour takes visitors through a collection of about 450 original vessels, including motorboats, gondolas, traditional boats from Lake Como, sailboats, nautical instruments, engines, and equipment.
A heritage that offers insight into Lake Como, Italian history, and the evolution of boating through the boats and the people who built, sailed, and lived on them.
School Programs
For preschool
For young children, the museum becomes a place to explore with their eyes, hands, and imagination.
The rooms come alive with characters who guide children through the world of boats: what they’re used for, who uses them, what shapes they take, what sounds they make, and what adventures they might hold.
Amid sounds, costumes, and sensory activities, children encounter characters drawn from life on the lake and the world of boating: the carpenter, the fisherman, the child who is friends with the wind, and the boat that takes center stage in the journey.
Each step is designed to capture the attention of young visitors and engage them in a natural way.
The tour can conclude withan activity aboard a real boat, where children can explore the sails, rudder, and ropes up close through play.
For elementary and secondary schools
For older students, the museum becomes a journey through history, technology, and the local area.
From the ancient Romans to the great empires, all the way to the 20th century and World War II, each vessel offers a glimpse into maritime culture, history, and the local region.
Boats become a means of discussing geography, work, craftsmanship, trade, materials, and social change.
The program is tailored to the age and learning level of the class, ensuring that the visit is accessible, engaging, and always different.
Educational Workshops
I’d like a boat to…
The world of boats as seen through the eyes of children, blending imagination, function, and discovery.
Throw the rope!
An activity for learning about and experimenting with the main nautical knots through play.
From the Forest to the Boat
A workshop to explore the world of plants, the different types of wood, and their characteristics.
Duration of the visit
Classes are accompanied by a museum guide.
The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and a half on average.
For preschoolers, the tour can be tailored to include various activities, such as a sensory journey, storytelling sessions, and outdoor play activities.
In this case, we recommend a minimum duration of about 2.5 hours.
How to Get to the Museum
The Barca Lariana Museum is located in Pianello del Lario, on the western shore of Lake Como.
It is about 50 km from Como and about 60 km from Lecco and Sondrio.
Ample on-site parking is available for buses.
Lunch and Snack
The museum is housed in a historic late-19th-century spinning mill and features outdoor spaces.
You can enjoy lunch or an afternoon snack on the terrace overlooking the lake, either with a packed lunch or a buffet upon request.
Costs and Accessibility
The museum visit costs €5.00 per student.
Accompanying teachers are admitted free of charge.
A minimum of 15 students is required.
The workshops have a flat fee of €80.00.
The museum is fully accessible .
Open Throughout the Year
The museum is normally open from early May to late October.
For schools and groups, it can also open outside the regular season by appointment.
Tours can be arranged in the morning or in the afternoon.
Would you like to organize a field trip for your class?
For information, specific requests, or reservations, please contact the Museo Barca Lariana.
We will help you design a tour that best suits your class’s age group and educational goals.