Inside the centre of excellence of the Paper Mill Valley Foundation (Fondazione Valle delle Cartiere), the paper museum is located. The museum, inaugurated in June 2007, is one of the most important sites in Northern Italy when it comes to industrial archaeology.

The first evidence of paper mills or paper manufacturers in the Toscolano-Maderno area dates back to the 14th century. Since then, the area, also referred to as “Paper Mill Valley”, has dedicated itself entirely to paper production.
Legend has it that the construction of the first paper mill was due to a shipwrecked boat whose sail was washed overboard into one of Toscolano’s bays. There it got soaked in water and was then dried and compressed by the sun in a way that made it suitable to write on.

At the instigation of the city of Toscolano-Maderno, the paper museum was set up in the last paper mill to cease production. Its design is that of a study centre of paper and print production, with sections subdivided according to themes and procedures, as well as workshops and conference rooms.

On request, groups can visit the museum year round. It is open daily in the months from April to October; further information regarding visits and entrance ticket fees can be found on the museum website.
The Paper Mill Valley can be reached by car – visitors can park along the street.