Mechanical Memories

A shared archive of artefacts exploring the industrial heritage of the Pianalto brickworks. Opening on 10 October 2026.

The Munlab Clay Ecomuseum, affiliated with Museum Subscription, is expanding its cultural programme with a new and exciting project: “Mechanical Memories. A shared physical archive”.

An initiative launched to preserve and promote the heritage of the historic kilns of Cambiano and Pianalto, Mechanical Memories combines industrial tradition, sustainability and visual research in a project open to the community.

The new exhibition route

Thanks to the donation of machinery from the historic Mosso Brickworks in Santena (transferred with the support of Fornace Ballatore), a permanent exhibition space has been set up within the premises of T2D (formerly Fornace Carena). The machinery is situated along the path linking the Ecomuseum to the brickworks, which is currently in operation, forming a genuine bridge between the past and the present in terms of production.

The exhibition is enhanced by:

• Audio content and QR codes: Along the route, information panels and QR codes allow visitors to listen to the moving first-hand accounts of those who lived and worked in the brickworks.
• Photography exhibition: a visual journey created in collaboration with the Autofocus Photography Club of Cambiano, focusing on the changes to the quarry and the raw material: clay.

Innovation, teaching and sustainability

Mechanical Memories It is not merely a look back at the past, but a forum for reflection on the future. The space will become the home of educational, artistic and exploratory activities, turning the history of work into a tool for understanding the importance of technological innovation and environmental sustainability.

The project was carried out by Munlab Ecomuseo dell’Argilla with the support of CRT Foundation (call for applications Images and Perspectives 2026), the support of T2D and with the support of the municipalities of Cambiano, Pecetto Torinese and Santena, the Chieri Community Foundation and the Chieri Consortium for Services.

Useful information for subscribers

• Opening ceremony: Saturday 10 October 2026
• Where: Munlab Ecomuseum of Clay (T2D spaces / former Carena Brickworks), Cambiano (TO)
• Entrance: The new area has been incorporated into the Ecomuseum’s standard visitor route. Admission included for holders of Museum Subscription.