Blu Fiorentino Continues her Grandfather’s Legacy by Preserving Sorrento’s Wood Inlay Tradition.
Sorrento, Italy- To many visitors, Sorrento is known for lemons, the sea, and a connecting point to the Amalfi coast. But for Blu Fiorentino, the city offers much more than a tourist destination. Sorrento is full of history, craftsmanship, and centuries of wood inlay.
Discover the Museum-Workshop of Wooden Inlay
Fiorentino, president of the Museobottega della Tarsia Lignea, has spent years preparing for this role. Born and raised in Sorrento, she was introduced to the museum and its history very early on through her grandfather. As she got older her own love for history developed into a deeper academic and personal interest. She went on to study humanities and cultural heritage at the University of Naples Federico II, strengthening her connection to the very traditions she now helps preserve.
Her passion for art and preservation also led her beyond Sorrento. Fiorentino gained experience working with cultural institutions, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. These experiences helped shape her understanding that museums can preserve history and keep it relevant for new generations.
Preserve the tradition
For Fiorentino, preserving Sorrento’s traditions isn’t cultural; it’s personal.
“This building, it was like home.” Fiorentino said.
The museum she now leads is rooted in her family history. Her grandfather, an architect, was deeply passionate about traditional Sorrento Wood Inlay. Over time, he began collecting pieces of the craft and dedicated most of his life. As his collection grew, he transformed a historic 18th century building into what is known as the museum of inlay today.
He saw the museum as something more than a collection, it was a way to protect memory while ensuring the craft had a future.
“His main goal was not just to take care of the museum, but also to create a creative future for the tradition.” Fiorentino said.
Over time, Fiorentino has come to understand that responsibility on a personal level. What began with her grandfather’s vision has become a legacy she is honored to help carry forward.
“I think he would be proud to see me and my brother, Rocco, involved everyday trying to preserve and expand his dream.” Fiorentino said.
However that responsibility has faced its own challenges. While the museum is the only inlay museum in the world, and it attracts global visitors, Fiorentino notes that the connection to the community could be better.
“I think the community recognized the importance, but they are not really involved in the life of the museum.”
For her, that gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. How can we connect Sorrento locals closer to their cultural heritage?
Looking ahead, Fiorentino hopes to continue expanding the museum’s role in the community while also building international connections that help keep the tradition relevant beyond Sorrento. At the root of it all, this passion started because of her grandfather.
“Before grandfather and granddaughter, we were friends.” Fiorentino said.
For Fiorentino, continuing the work means not only preserving her grandfather’s vision, but also ensuring that the craft remains alive for future generations. The museum that once felt like home is now a responsibility she carries forward; not for her grandfather’s legacy, but to ensure that Sorrento’s identity continues to live through its craft.