Cinema Museum Tomas Mallol Collection
Cinema Museum - Tomàs Mallol Collection
The Cinema Museum - Tomàs Mallol Collection is a significant cultural institution located in Girona, Catalonia. This museum is dedicated to the world of film and moving images, showcasing the extensive collection amassed by Tomàs Mallol, a Catalan filmmaker. The museum provides a deep dive into the history of cinema, particularly focusing on its pre-cinema and early cinema phases.
Tomàs Mallol and His Vision
Tomàs Mallol, born in 1923, was a filmmaker who dedicated a large part of his life to collecting artifacts related to the development of cinema. His collection became the foundation for the museum in Girona. Between 1968 and 1998, Mallol traveled extensively, especially in Catalonia, Spain, and France, to acquire items for his collection. His approach was systematic and aimed at comprehensively covering the prehistory of cinema and its early years, rather than following personal preferences or trends.
The Collection
The Tomàs Mallol Collection consists of approximately 20,000 pieces, including nearly 8,000 objects, devices, and accessories from pre-cinema and early cinema. Additionally, the collection houses almost 10,000 documents with fixed images such as photographs, posters, prints, drawings, and paintings. It also includes about 800 films of all kinds and a library with over 700 books and magazines.
Notable Items in the Collection
- Lantern Slides: These are an essential part of the collection, representing a significant step in the history of visual entertainment before the advent of modern cinema.
- Early Film Equipment: The collection includes various pieces of equipment that illustrate the technological advancements in film-making.
- Documents and Fixed Images: Items such as posters, photographs, and drawings provide context and visual representations of cinema's evolution.
The Museum
The Cinema Museum in Girona aims to educate the public on the history and evolution of cinema. It showcases the technological, artistic, and cultural aspects of film history. This museum not only preserves the legacy of Tomàs Mallol but also serves as a resource for understanding the broader impact of cinema on society.