Luigi Micheletti Award

The name of Charlie Chaplin is known throughout the world, and his life can be divided into three sections. He was born into poverty in the East End of London in 1889 and abandoned with his half-brother, later earning a living as a vaudeville artist. After emigrating to the U.S. at the age of 21 he became a worldwide icon, considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry. He was a comic, director, a gifted musician and dancer – he wrote, directed and edited all his later films himself – and started United Artists. In the McCarthy years of the 1950s he was forced out of the U.S. and spent the rest of his life in the mansion where the museum has been housed since 2015. Exhibits cover the three parts of his life, with a strong emphasis on storytelling through experience, with explanations and some interactives. The storytelling element does not shy away from the difficulties of Chaplin’s life and his humanitarian and social ambitions, as well as the perfection he demanded in his film work. Chaplin was a very outspoken left-wing thinker, speaking out against racism, greed and war and many of his opinions can be seen directly and indirectly in his films.

The judges said: Our warmest congratulations go to the whole team. For a museum on the subject of film and popular culture to include so many aspects of 20th-century history is rare. The museum goes far beyond the traditional famous person storytelling and puts all aspects of Chaplin’s life into perspective against a general historical background. The exhibits are of exceptional quality, both technically and in engaging the interest of visitors. The economic model, including exploration of businesses and events, is an interesting one, which could provide guidance for other museums. Chaplin embodied the history of the 20th century in an outstanding way and details of his life and views continue to fascinate visitors. An excellent visitor experience is backed up by commendable use of projections of outstanding quality combined with well-researched historical detail.