Reading glasses have been made in the Cadore for over a hundred years.

The making of reading glasses is a craft that has evolved over time into the complex industrial structure that exists today. The Museum has been set up to tell the story of the seven centuries of this valuable object. Over 2000 examples of reading glasses are on display in the Museum, dating from the Middle Ages to the modern day, some of which can be considered jewels or works of artistic craftsmanship. Some cases show how artistic creativity can join hands with optical science and popular history. Of particular note are the French 'fassamani' in gold and precious stones, the English carved ivory creations, the Chinese solid gold and jade eyeglasses, the walking sticks which contain tiny telescopes and the precious ivory fans designed to hide monocles.