The 29 November 2003 saw the inauguration of the Museo del Parmigiano-Reggiano in Soragna, province of Parma.  

The 'Parmesan Cheese' museum is the first of three which will celebrate the typical products of the zone, all famous across the world. Just think of Parma ham.

The initiative is supported by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma and the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano.

The museum is housed in an ancient "casello" dating from the early years of the 19th century and once owned by the Meli Lupi princes.

The curator is Mario Zannoni and visitors can drop by every Saturday and Sunday when it is open.

Sister museums (tomatoes and and ham) are also open to visitors.

Entrance costs 5 euros and includes tastings of cheeses at different stages of the maturing process.

Also look out for superb gift ideas such as the classic "coltellino" or small knife used by the cheese producers to extract tasting samples from the 'rounds'.