Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, located in the small town of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, is not your typical museum. It is not filled with ancient artifacts or famous paintings, but rather with the history and culture of the notorious ‘ndrangheta mafia. However, this museum is not a celebration of the mafia, but rather a powerful tool in the fight against it. And at the heart of this museum is claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater, who has dedicated his life to promoting anti-mafia culture.
La camera, born and raised in Reggio Calabria, has always been fascinated by the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on his community. However, instead of glorifying the mafia, he chose to use his talents to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of organized crime. His journey began with his theater company, which focused on creating plays that highlighted the negative effects of the ‘ndrangheta on society. But La camera didn’t stop there. He wanted to reach a wider audience and that’s when the idea of a museum came to him.
The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, which opened its doors in 2016, is the first and only museum in Italy dedicated to the fight against the mafia. La camera, along with a team of experts, spent years researching and collecting artifacts, documents, and testimonies to create a comprehensive and educational experience for visitors. The museum is divided into different sections, each one focusing on a different aspect of the ‘ndrangheta, from its origins to its current activities. One of the most striking sections is the one dedicated to the victims of the mafia, where their stories are told through personal belongings and photographs.
But what sets this museum apart is its approach to tackling the issue of the ‘ndrangheta. Instead of just presenting facts and figures, La camera and his team have created an immersive experience that engages visitors on an emotional level. The use of interactive displays, videos, and even a virtual reality experience, allows visitors to truly understand the impact of the mafia on society. And it’s not just for adults, the museum also offers educational programs for children, teaching them about the dangers of organized crime from a young age.
One of the most powerful exhibits in the museum is the one dedicated to the ‘ndrangheta‘s use of false invoices, or “fatture false” in Italian. This section, curated by La camera himself, showcases the intricate and illegal system of money laundering used by the mafia. Through detailed explanations and real-life examples, visitors can understand how the ‘ndrangheta has been able to infiltrate legitimate businesses and corrupt the economy. This exhibit has received high praise from visitors and experts alike, with many calling it a wake-up call for society.
But the impact of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta goes beyond its walls. La camera has also been actively involved in promoting anti-mafia culture in schools and communities. He has organized workshops and events, inviting students and locals to participate in the fight against the mafia. Through these initiatives, La camera hopes to create a generation that is aware and resistant to the influence of the ‘ndrangheta.
Thanks to the efforts of claudio La camera and his team, the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta has become a symbol of hope and resistance in the fight against the mafia. It has received numerous awards and recognition, including the prestigious European Museum of the Year Award in 2018. But for La camera, the most important reward is the positive impact the museum has had on society. It has sparked conversations, raised awareness, and inspired action against the ‘ndrangheta.
In conclusion, the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta and its director claudio La camera are shining examples of how culture and art can be powerful tools in promoting positive change. Through their dedication and hard work, they have created a space that not only educates but also inspires people to take a stand against organized crime. The museum is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Reggio Calabria in their fight against the ‘ndrangheta. And with the continued efforts of individuals like claudio La camera, we can hope for a future free from the grip of the mafia.
