In the first decades of the 20th century numerous artisanal and commercial enterprises were active, heirs to the arts and trades guilds of the 13th-14th century which had helped to make Florence one of medieval Europe's wealthiest, most powerful centers. Among these craftsmen were carpenters, farriers, mechanics, silversmiths, goldsmiths and many others. Florence at the time was quite small, easily covered on foot or by bicycle. Itinerant commerce and activities represented an important part of the city's economy.

Real itinerant shops, these "working bicycles" were modified and equipped with the tools of various trades. Dating from the early years of the 20th century to the 1950s, these bicycles show a vivid glimpse of working-class life and bear witness to the tradesmen of the past, such as the knife-grinder, the cobbler, and the puppet master. Some of these jobs no longer exist. The bicycles on display are a selection from Marco Paoletti's collection.