The MILE (Museum of Interactive Leather Experience) in Arzignano represents a historic milestone for the Italian tanning industry, inaugurated on September 27, 2025, as the country’s first interactive experiential museum dedicated to leather.
The Project and Its Implementation
The museum, located at Via Del Lavoro 22 in Arzignano, was born from a strategic collaboration between the Veneto Leather District, Acque del Chiampo benefit company, and Medio Chiampo . The initiative originated from an initial contribution of 120,000 euros from the Veneto Region through a regional call for proposals, subsequently supplemented with funds raised locally and by the District itself .
The project, the result of over two years of work, was entrusted to the management of the Mile Foundation chaired by Lucrezia Maria Mecenero, while the operational organization was handled by “Pleiadi benefit corporation,” a company specialized in scientific dissemination .
Objectives and Mission
MILE aims to narrate the industrial and cultural heritage of the Valchiampo in an innovative way, a territory that concentrates over half of Italian tanning production, 40% of European production, and 14% of world production. As highlighted by the president of the Distretto Veneto della Pelle, Riccardo Boschetti, the museum “preserves memory, tells innovation, and opens new perspectives for international dialogue” .
The main objective, according to Lucrezia Mecenero, is to “inspire younger generations,” showing them the opportunities and innovations of a constantly evolving industry through an interactive journey that spans from the past to the future of the sector .
Inauguration and Participants
The inauguration ceremony saw the participation of the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, who emphasized the strategic importance of MILE for the relaunch and innovation of the Veneto tanning district . Among the authorities present were: Alessia Bevilacqua, mayor of Arzignano, regional councilors Valeria Mantovan and Manuela Lanzarin, and Andrea Nardin, president of the Province .
The private sector was represented by key figures such as Mirko Lucio Balsemin (president of the tanning section of Confindustria Vicenza), Mauro Bergozza (president of Assomac), Pierluigi Braggion (president of Unpac), Renzo Marcigaglia (president of Acque del Chiampo), and Tolmino Gobetti (president of Medio Chiampo) .
Future Prospects
MILE is conceived as “a place in continuous evolution,” destined to grow and adapt over time, representing a precious bridge between tradition and future in the leather sector . The inauguration was celebrated with a week of events dedicated to citizens, schools, businesses, and international brands, demonstrating the inclusive approach and international vocation of the project.
The initiative demonstrates how the Veneto leather industry continues to invest in culture, education, and innovation to maintain its global leadership, representing a virtuous example of synergy between public and private sectors.