Mariana Gatto, Founder, Italian American Museum of Los Angeles Deborah Kobylt LIVE

When celebrating #ItalianHeritageMonth, I enjoy highlighting the rich cultural
heritage and history of the Italian and Italian American people, particularly art, music,
literature, architecture, and of course the stories surrounding them.
Today we interview Mariana Gatto, creator of the Italian American Museum of Los
Angeles, located near Olivera St. in DTLA, housed inside the oldest remaining
structure in the area, built in 1908. It’s a treasure, complete with an original speak
easy door from the prohibition days.
The #IAMLA is a gem, packed with stories of the Italian American journey to this
country, complete with in depth stories and research into each exhibit. There are
revolving exhibits, such as the one about women’s needlework from the Italian
diaspora, called, Woven Lives. Next month, the Pinocchio exhibit, A Real Boy: The
Story of Pinocchio, which is sure to be a hit, as this story has been told to generations
and still enthralls young and old.
There’s a new interactive app, too, featuring some of your favorite Italians telling their
stories. Mariana talks anout her vision, how she created this gem of a museum, we
talk about her life growing up Italian in Los Angeles, and so much more.
Please join us on #DeborahKobyltLIVE and #LittleItalyPodcast on all video and audio
platforms, and invite your friends, Italian or not. This story is for everyone. Thanks for
tuning in󰏢 #DeborahZaraKobylt