The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, located in the small town of Melito di Porto Salvo in Calabria, Italy, is not your typical museum. It is not filled with ancient artifacts or famous paintings, but instead, it tells the story of the ‘ndrangheta, one of the most powerful and dangerous mafia organizations in the world. However, what makes this museum truly unique is its mission to promote anti-mafia culture and educate the public about the detrimental effects of organized crime. This mission is led by claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater, who has dedicated his life to fighting the ‘ndrangheta and preserving the cultural identity of Calabria.
claudio La camera, who was born and raised in Calabria, has always been fascinated by the history and traditions of his homeland. However, he was also aware of the dark shadow cast by the ‘ndrangheta, which has been deeply rooted in the region for centuries. In 2007, La camera decided to combine his passion for anthropology and theater to create a unique project – the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta. His goal was to create a space where people could learn about the ‘ndrangheta in a non-judgmental and educational way, while also promoting the values of anti-mafia culture.
One of the main attractions of the museum is the exhibition on ‘fatture false’ (false invoices), a common practice used by the ‘ndrangheta to launder money. This exhibition, curated by La camera himself, showcases real documents and artifacts that were used in this illegal activity. Visitors can see how the ‘ndrangheta used seemingly legitimate businesses to hide their illegal activities and evade taxes. This eye-opening exhibition not only educates visitors on the inner workings of the ‘ndrangheta, but also raises awareness on the importance of ethical business practices.
But the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta is not just a museum – it is a cultural center that offers a wide range of activities and events. La camera, who is also the director of the theater company “Teatro della ‘ndrangheta”, uses the museum as a stage for his plays that focus on the themes of anti-mafia culture and social justice. These performances, which are often sold out, not only entertain the audience but also send a powerful message against the ‘ndrangheta and its criminal activities.
In addition to theatrical performances, the museum also hosts workshops, conferences, and seminars on various topics related to the ‘ndrangheta. These events attract experts, academics, and students from all over the world, making the museum a hub for research and discussion on organized crime. La camera’s dedication to spreading knowledge and awareness about the ‘ndrangheta has earned him recognition and praise from the international community. In 2019, he was invited to speak at the United Nations in New York, where he shared his experiences and insights on the fight against the ‘ndrangheta.
The impact of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta extends beyond its walls. La camera and his team have collaborated with local schools to develop educational programs for students, teaching them about the dangers of organized crime and promoting anti-mafia values. The museum has also become a popular destination for tourists, who are eager to learn about the ‘ndrangheta and the history of Calabria. This influx of visitors has brought economic benefits to the town of Melito di Porto Salvo, which was once known as a stronghold of the ‘ndrangheta.
claudio La camera’s tireless efforts to promote anti-mafia culture and preserve the cultural identity of Calabria through the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the prestigious “Premio Nazionale per la Cultura della Legalità” (National Award for the Culture of Legality). But for La camera, the real reward is seeing the positive impact of the museum on the community and the growing awareness of the dangers of organized crime.
In a region where the ‘ndrangheta has long held a grip on society, the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta and claudio La camera stand as symbols of hope and resistance. Through their efforts, they are slowly but surely changing the narrative and promoting a culture of legality and social justice. The museum is a testament to the power of education and culture in the fight against organized crime, and it serves as an inspiration for others to follow in La camera’s footsteps.
