Free museums in Italy

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence holds a huge collection of valuable works mostly from the Italian Renaissance. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de' Medici, the second Duke of Florence, to house administrative offices and the state archive. Over the time, the Medici fam

The Basilica of Santa Chiara, located in Assisi, Umbria, Italy, is a church dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi. This historic site is a significant place of worship and a testament to the life and works of Saint Clare. Visitors can explore the church's architecture and learn about its rich history.

Located in Rimini, Romagna, in northern Italy, Castel Sismondo is a historical castle with only the central part of the structure still standing. This central nucleus is a testament to the castle's past and offers a glimpse into its historical significance.

The Museo per la Memoria di Ustica (Museum for the Memory of Ustica) is a museum in Bologna that is part of the Gallery of Modern Art in Bologna. The museum was established to commemorate the victims of the Ustica massacre. The museum houses the remains of the DC-9 reconstructed and exhibited in the

The museum houses a collection of ex-voto offered by the faithful to the Madonna di Bonaria, archaeological finds, ship models, and sacred furnishings. These exhibits provide a glimpse into the religious and historical significance of the sanctuary.

Located in the heart of Prato, Tuscany, the Palazzo degli Alberti is a historical building that offers a glimpse into Italy's rich past. Its central location makes it easily accessible for tourists, and its historical significance adds to the cultural richness of the city. The building's architecture, dating back to the 13th century, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the time.

EXMA, an acronym for EXhibiting and Moving Arts and EX MAttatoio, is one of the most significant exhibition centers in Cagliari. It has been situated in the former slaughterhouse of Cagliari since 1993. This location adds a unique historical and architectural dimension to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in both art and history.

The estate houses an educational center and museum that aims to introduce the region with its natural rarities and rich cultural heritage.

The Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno is a repository of archaeological finds that originate from the province of Salerno and the city itself. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The museum's collection spans from prehistoric times to the late antique period, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the region's past.

The Emilio Greco Museum in Catania is situated in the historic Palazzo Gravina Cruyllas of the Princes of Palagonia. This grand building also houses the Belliniano Civic Museum, making it a significant cultural hub in the city. The museum showcases the works of Emilio Greco, a renowned artist, and offers a unique insight into his artistic journey.

The church of Santa Maria di Castello is a Catholic religious building in the historic center of Genoa, on the hillside in the district of Molo. It is one of the oldest Christian places of worship in Genoa and one of the most intact Romanesque buildings in the city. The Museum of Santa Maria di Cast

The State Archives of Siena, known as Archivio di Stato di Siena in Italian, is housed in the historic Palazzo Piccolomini. This location adds a layer of historical significance to the archives, as the Palazzo Piccolomini itself is a notable landmark in Siena. Visitors to the archives will not only have the opportunity to explore the vast collection of documents but also appreciate the architectural beauty of the Palazzo.

The Civico Museo Sartorio is a museum located in Triest. It was established from the legacy of the Sartorio family, a prominent family in the 19th century. The museum is housed in the Villa Sartorio, a significant historical building in the city.

The Treasure Museum of the Basilica of Saint Francis is a collection of sacred art. It is located in two rooms of the North Palace of the Sacred Convent of Assisi. The museum can be accessed from the first floor of the Renaissance Cloister of Sixtus IV, which is adjacent to the famous basilica that houses the remains of Saint Francis.

Le Gallerie di Piedicastello, located in Trento, is a museum space that is managed by the Museo storico del Trentino. This museum offers a unique blend of history and memory, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

The Museo Nazionale Storico degli Alpini, also known as the Alpini Museum, is a military museum situated in the northern Italian city of Trento. The museum is dedicated to documenting the history of the Italian mountain troops, including the Alpini mountain infantry and other mountain-specialized troops such as the mountain artillery and mountain engineers. The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the history and evolution of these troops, making it a significant destination for those interested in military history.

The Pocol military shrine, also known as the Pocol ossuary, is situated at an altitude of 1,535 meters above sea level. It is located near the SS 48 of the Dolomites Cortina - Falzarego Pass, in the Pocol area. This location is just a few kilometers away from the popular tourist destination of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The shrine's elevated position offers visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

The Sardinian Railway Museum, located within the Cagliari station, was inaugurated in 1985. It is managed by the Sardinian Historical Trains Association "Sardegnavapore" and is owned by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana. This museum offers a unique insight into the history of railways in Sardinia.

The Stuard Gallery, located in Parma, has been housed in the wing of the Benedictine Abbey San Paolo since 2002. This historic location adds a unique charm to the gallery, making it a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike. The gallery is named after its benefactor and collector, Giuseppe Stuard, who bequeathed the first works to the gallery.

The Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano is a historic mansion in Milan, located on the second floor of an Art Deco building designed by architect Piero Portaluppi. The museum exhibits a selection of over two hundred representative works of Italian modern art acquired by Antonio Boschi (1896-1988) and his w

The Diocesan Museum of Parma, inaugurated in March 2003, is housed in the basement of the restored Episcopal Palace. This restoration project allowed for the creation of an exhibition itinerary, providing a dedicated space for the display of archaeological finds and works of art from the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the diocesan territory.

The Museo del Duomo di Udine is a museum located within the baptistery of the Udine Cathedral. It is dedicated to the blessed Bertrando di San Genesio, who lived from 1265 to 1350 and is considered one of the founding fathers of the city of Udine.

Since 2007, the CSAC is located at the Abbazia di Valserena, also known as “Certosa di Paradigna”, a few kilometers from Parma. This location offers a unique setting for the center's collections and exhibitions.

The Archivio di Stato di Parma is a repository of a wide range of historical documents. It preserves the documentation produced by institutions before the unification of Italy and those state post-unification, generally included in the territory of the province. The archive also houses documents from public bodies, families, individuals, associations, and other private entities that hold significant historical interest.

La Casa del Suono, located in Parma, is a unique museum that focuses on the history and evolution of instruments used for sound reproduction and transmission. It offers an extensive collection of around 400 pieces, ranging from early phonographs and galena radios to modern digital players. The museum provides a fascinating journey through the development of sound technology, making it an interesting visit for anyone interested in music, technology, or history.

Since 2011, Casa Menotti has been home to the Documentation Center of the Festival dei Due Mondi. This small museum, managed by the Monini Foundation in collaboration with the municipality of Spoleto and the Festival dei Due Mondi Foundation, offers a wealth of information about the history of the festival, the life and work of Menotti, and the festival's relationship with the city and the international cultural context.

The Museo Romagnolo del Teatro e degli Strumenti Musicali is housed in the Palazzo Gaddi in Forlì. This Italian museum is situated in the beautifully decorated rooms on the ground floor of the palace. It offers a unique insight into the musical and theatrical life of Forlì between the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Museo archeologico "Villa Pisani Dossi" in Corbetta, Milan, is a testament to the years of work and collection of the writer Carlo Dossi. Today, the museum is managed by his family, preserving the legacy of Dossi's passion for archaeology and literature.

The Galleria Anna e Luigi Parmeggiani is a museum located in Reggio Emilia. It houses a collection of furniture, paintings, and textiles. These collections were gathered between the late 19th and early 20th century by Luigi Parmeggiani. The museum is housed in a unique Gothic-Renaissance building, which was specially built by Parmeggiani in 1924 to showcase his art collection. The building's architecture is a blend of French and Spanish styles, reflecting Parmeggiani's eclectic taste.

The Museo del Santuario Arcivescovile della Beata Vergine dei Miracoli di Corbetta, also known as the Museo delle Camere di San Carlo, is a museum located in the town of Corbetta. It is housed in the local Marian sanctuary and offers a unique insight into the spiritual and pastoral experience of Saint Carlo Borromeo in Corbetta and its parish. The museum is open to the public by reservation.

The Museo Civico Duilio Cambellotti is situated in the heart of Latina, on Piazza San Marco. The museum is housed in the former Opera Nazionale Balilla building, a significant historical structure in the city. This location not only provides a unique setting for the museum but also adds to the cultural and historical richness of the experience for visitors.

The Museo e Centro di Documentazione della Deportazione e Resistenza, located in Prato, central Italy, is a museum dedicated to the history of Fascism's occurrence and rise to power in Italy. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the political, racial, and religious persecution and deportation of people in concentration and extermination camps and with resistance during World War II.

The Museo Etnografico della Gambarina "C'era una volta", situated in Alessandria, is recognized as one of the most significant museums in the province of Alessandria. It offers a rich insight into the local culture and history, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists interested in understanding the region's past.

Lo Speleovivarium is a unique museum and bio-speleology laboratory situated in the San Vito district of Trieste. It is located at the base of the staircase that splits Guido Reni street into two parts. This location offers a unique blend of history, science, and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists visiting Trieste.

The Sculpture Park Villa Celle is a unique destination for art enthusiasts. It is situated in the picturesque town of Santomato di Pistoia in Italy, approximately 35 kilometers away from the historic city of Florence and just 5 kilometers from Pistoia. This location makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting these popular Italian cities.

The Museo del Risorgimento e sacrario di Oberdan is an exhibition space in Trieste that is dedicated to the Risorgimento. The museum's exhibits span a timeline from the revolutions of 1848 to World War I, with a particular emphasis on relics related to Venezia-Giulia. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into a significant period of Italian history and gain a deeper understanding of the events and figures that shaped the nation.

The Museo storico-archeologico dell' Università del Salento (MUSA) is a university museum situated in the city of Lecce, nestled between the Porta Napoli and the Belloluogo park. The museum was first opened to the public in June 2007, offering a comprehensive journey through various historical periods and geographical areas.

The Sassari Brigade Museum is situated in the heart of Sassari, specifically in Piazza Castello. It is housed on the ground floor of the historic Lamarmora barracks. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the city's military history.

The Church of San Francesco Borgia is a Roman Catholic church situated on Via Crociferi #7, in the city of Catania, in the region of Sicily, southern Italy. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other notable sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the area.

The Palazzo Morando is a historic building in the city of Milan and houses the Museum of Milan and the Costume Moda Immagine collection (a fashion related collection). The Palazzo Morando itself is an 18th century palazzo decorated and furnished from that period and features a rich collection of ant

The Memoriale Della Shoah Di Milano is a memorial dedicated to the Holocaust's victims. It was created in the hidden part of the Central station, which was used to deport people out of Milan.

The Civic Museum of Oriental Art, located in the historic city of Trieste, Italy, is a unique institution dedicated to the art and archaeology of Far and East Asia. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the artistic and archaeological heritage of these regions, offering visitors a chance to explore and understand the rich cultural history of Asia.

The Maritime Museum in Triest, founded in 1904, is a historical institution that houses a vast collection of documents and objects. These artifacts narrate the history of the port and maritime activities of the city. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the city's maritime past and its evolution over the centuries.

The Museum of History of Psychiatry in Reggio Emilia is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the history of psychiatric treatment. The museum houses a collection of objects that were used in the San Lazzaro psychiatric hospital, which were collected by psychiatrist Carlo Livi since 1874. These objects provide a tangible connection to the past and offer insights into the evolution of psychiatric care.

The Museo provinciale della ceramica, located in the estate of Villa Guariglia in Raito on the Amalfi Coast, is a museum dedicated to the art of ceramics. Established in 1981, the museum offers a unique insight into the rich history and tradition of ceramic art in the region.

The museum showcases a historical collection of contemporary art works. These works have been awarded and acquired during the various editions of the Lissone Prize, which has been held from 1946 to 1967 and subsequently from 2002 to the present day. This collection provides a unique insight into the evolution of contemporary art over the years.

Il Castello dei Burattini is a unique museum located in Parma, Italy. It is dedicated to the display of puppets, marionettes, and other stage objects. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the world of puppetry and marionette art, showcasing a wide range of items that have been used in performances over the years.

The Oratory of San Desiderio is a significant historical site located in the region of Tuscany, Italy. Specifically, it can be found on Via Laudesi #53 in Pistoia. This prayer hall is a notable part of the city's rich cultural and religious heritage.

La Casa della Musica, or the House of Music, is situated in Palazzo Cusani, an aristocratic residence located at the northern edge of the historic center of Parma. This location adds a touch of historical charm to the music institution, making it a unique destination for music lovers visiting the city.

The Museo diocesano Leonello Barsotti is a museum of sacred art located in Livorno. It was inaugurated on December 22, 2008, and further expanded a year later on December 22, 2009. The museum is a testament to the rich religious history and art of the region, making it a significant destination for those interested in exploring this aspect of Livorno's culture.

The Frumentaria, also known as Palazzo della Frumentaria, is a historic building located in the San Sisto district of Sassari. Today, it serves as a museum and a contemporary art gallery, offering visitors a chance to explore a piece of Sassari's history while enjoying modern art exhibits.

Villa Saffi is an 18th-century country house situated just outside the historic center of Forlì, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the region while enjoying the serene environment of the countryside.

The Museo del Risorgimento in Forlì is a museum primarily dedicated to the Risorgimento, a period in Italian history that led to the unification of Italy. The museum houses artifacts from a broad historical period, starting from Napoleon's first invasion of Italy in 1796 up to the end of the Second World War in 1945.

Museo del Cenacolo di Andrea del Sarto in Florence boasts a remarkable piece called 'The Last Supper' which covers more than 40 square meters. The painter Andrea del Sarto worked over eight years on his masterpiece. Some of his other artworks are on display as well.

Museo Napoleonico is a museum in Rome that holds and exhibits a collection that was donated in 1927 by Count Giuseppe Primoli, a descendant of Napoleon. The museum houses various portraits and objects, but also interiors from the Neapolitan era. The collections of the Museo Napoleonico are divided i

The Museo Storico della Liberazione is the Museum of the Liberation of Rome that occupies three floors in an apartment building where it illustrates the period of German occupation of Rome in World War II as well as its liberation. The building was used as the headquarters of the Sicherheitspolizei,

Museo di Casa Martelli in FLorence is housed in Palazzo Martelli, a former residential palace. This civic museum exhibits in situ the remains of the original family's valuable art collection, as well as its frescoed rooms. The collection includes works by di Cosimo, Francia, Morandini, Rosa , Giorda

The Pietro Canonica Museum is the house museum of the sculptor Pietro Canonica. The house, where the artist lived until his death, was donated to the municipality of Rome which now manages the museum. The ground floor and the lower floors of the museum contain rooms that display the works, both copi

The Centro Storico Fiat is a museum and company archive in Turin where automobiles, airplanes, trains, tractors, trucks, bicycles, washing machines and refrigerators of the Fiat brand are exhibited along with scale models, reconstructions of parts of the production process, posters and advertisement

If you want to see lesser known artworks of Florence, visit the Chiostro dello Scalzo and discover its hidden gems. This cloister served as the entrance to the chapel of the Confraternity of St. John the Baptist in the 14th century. Highlights are the beautiful frescoes depicting the life of St. Joh

The Museo Barracco, or Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, is a museum in Rome that was established after Baron Giovanni Barracco donated his collection of antique sculptures to the museum in 1902. the museum was originally located in the baron's house. The museum's collection consists of ar

MACRO - Museo d'Arte Contemporanea is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome that holds and exhibits a collection of contemporary art with about 1,200 works of art from 1960 to the present. It includes some of the most significant expressions of the Italian art scene since the 1960s, among others th

Museo Hendrik Christian Andersen is a museum in Rome in Italy, the place where Hendrik Christian Andersen died in 1940. After his death, he donated his home, studio, papers and more than 400 pieces of his work so this museum could be created. The Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum in Rome contains mu

The Porta San Sebastiano (the ancient Porta Appia) is the largest and one of the best-preserved gate that passes through the Aurelian wall in Rome. Directly behind the gate stands the Arch of Drusus, which belonged to the aqueduct Aqua Marcia. The large gate was rebuilt five times. Nowadays, the tow

The Museo Etnografico sulla Lavorazione del Legno is an ethnographic museum that is situated in San Vito di Leguzzano, a municipality in the province of Vicenza. The museum is housed within the Corte Priorato-Gandin, a historic site in the region.

The Museo Marino Marini museum in Florence is devoted to Marino Marini, a 20th-century Italian sculptor born in the Tuscan town of Pistoia. Spread over four floors in a former 9th-century church, the museum exhibits about two hundred pieces of his artworks organized in a thematic order. The collecti

The Cavalry Museum Pinerolo, also known as Museo Storico dell’Arma di Cavalleria, is a significant military museum of the Italian Army. It is situated in the northern Italian city of Pinerolo, in the Piedmont region. The museum offers a deep dive into the history of the Italian cavalry, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in military history.

The Historical Museum of the Carabinieri (Museo Storico dell'Arma dei Carabinieri) is a museum in Rome near the Vatican. This Police Museum in Rome illustrates its history chronologically and thematically, starting from the foundation in 1814 of the ancient Corps of Royal Carabinieri, through to the

The Carlo Bilotti Museum is a museum of contemporary art in Rome. It is based in the "Aranciera" of Villa Borghese and houses paintings, sculptures and watercolors from the collection donated by the Italian-American entrepreneur and collector Carlo Bilotti, which includes works by Giorgio De Chirico

The Palazzo Chiablese is a stately home in Turin. Visitors can take guided tours in some of the rooms in the building. It was the residence of the Duke of Chablais first and then of Carlo Felice, King of Sardinia, and Ferdinando, Duke of Genoa. Now it houses a cultural collection that illustrates th

The Davia Bargellini Museum is a museum in Bologna that is housed in the Palazzo Davia Bargellini. The museum was established under the guidance of the art historian Francesco Malaguzzi Valeri who arranged works from the Davia Bargellini collection of paintings along with a selection of applied art

The Museo Studio Francesco Messina (Museum-studio Francesco Messina) is a museum in Miland that is located inside the deconsecrated church of San Sisto al Carrobbio. The museum is located on two floors and exhibits the entire collection donated by Francesco Messina to the Municipality of Milan: 80 s

The Museo della Civiltà Romana is a large museum in Rome that features one of the most wholesome collections of artefacts and artworks devoted to the history of Roman civilisation. It was first opened in 1955 and today spans over more than 12 000 square meters. The items on display here are divided

The Boncompagni Ludovisi Decorative Arts Museum, also just Museo Boncompagni, is the Decorative Arts Museum of the National Gallery of Modern Art of Rome. The museum is housed in the Villino Boncompagni, an Art Nouveau villa from the twentieth century. The museum focuses on talian decorative arts, c

Museo della Via Ostiense is a museum in Rome, housed in the former Porta San Paolo city gate. The museum was built in 1954 to illustrate the topography of the area between Rome and Ostia. Important finds related to the ancient Via Ostiense connecting route between Rome and Ostia and a model depictin

The WOW Spazio Fumetto is an art museum in Milan that is dedicated to comics and animation. The museum holds and displays a collection of more than 500,000 items including records, magazine publications and albums. There is a permanent exhibition on the ground floor. Temporary exhibitions are held o

The Cenacolo di Fuligno is a museum in Florence that is dedicated to the great Last Supper by Pietro Perugino, in the refectory of the former convent of Sant'Onofrio, also known as the nuns of Foligno. In addition to The Last Supper of Perugino on the back wall of the refectory, the museum is dedica

The Archivio Storico Comunale is the city archives of Palermo that keeps the archives of the municipal administration of Palermo from the end of the 13th century to the year 1957. The first regulations for archiving date back to 1320, since 1463 the Archivio has an archive room in the town hall. The

The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno is conveniently located in the city center on Via dei Mercanti. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The gallery is also situated near the cathedral, allowing visitors to combine their visit to the gallery with a visit to this significant religious site.

Museo Casa Rodolfo Siviero is a museum in Florence that is dedicated to Rodolfo Siviero, who was an Italian secret agent and art historian who was most notable for his work in recovering artworks stolen from Italy during the Second World War. Rodolfo Siviero left his house and all the assets contain