New Italian Sign Language Avatars at Rai Radio and Television Museum in Turin
TURIN, 20 October 2026 – The new exhibition layout of Rai Radio and Television Museum in Turin is unveiled at its premises at 16 Via Verdi. The renovation brings together the rich history of Italian telecommunications and international design, enhanced by a unique and priceless item: the 1940s Fada Model 1000, the very first radio in the celebrated personal collection of renowned entertainer Renzo Arbore, who has generously donated it to the Museum. The press conference presenting the new exhibition was attended remotely by Renzo Arbore himself, together with Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo, Professor Umberto Broccoli, Director of Rai Turin TV Production Centre Guido Rossi, Director of the Rai Research Centre Gino Alberico, and Museum Director Alberto Allegranza.
Today’s inauguration marks the final step in a broader programme to upgrade the exhibition spaces, with the aim of making the visitor experience even more immersive, coherent and interactive. The Museum houses an exceptional collection of more than 1,500 artefacts, documents and technical devices – from the optical telegraph to the television of the future. Visitors can explore both sides of the television experience, stepping both “behind” and “in front of” the cameras and reliving the remarkable history of television and its most beloved personalities.
The collaboration with AIRE Piemonte continues, further enriched by the first public presentation of the reconstructed “mess-tin radio”, a testament to the ingenuity of Italian military internees during the Second World War.
Accessibility is another key area of development, with new experiences created by the Rai Research Centre in collaboration with Rai Public Utilities. Two new avatars using Italian Sign Language (LIS) guide visitors through the origins of radio broadcasting and television, making the historical narrative more engaging and accessible. These are complemented by three new videos featuring LIS performers interpreting the songs Mille lire al mese, Nel blu dipinto di blu and Almeno tu nell’universo.
The Museum also looks to the future through a redesigned area where visitors can become the stars of their own television experience, trying their hand at singing, reporting for a space news programme or hosting imaginary shows. The renovation also strengthens the Museum’s connection with Turin: a new entrance, a more clearly identifiable access point and a new illuminated sign make the Museum more visible, welcoming and open to the city.
Carmen Marino, Mauro Rossini
2026 October 20