Are you interested in the intersection of art and craftsmanship? These are the applied art museums you should visit in Italy:
1Museo Nazionale del Bargello
FlorenceMuseo Nazionale del Bargello is a museum in Florence that is housed in a 13th-century palace which is the oldest public building in Florence. It opened as a national museum in 1865 after it was used as barracks, a prison, and finally the residence of the Bargello, the head of the police. The art gal 2Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi
LuccaThe Museo di Palazzo Mansi, situated in the heart of Lucca, is home to a significant national art gallery. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of artworks, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts. 3Museo Poldi Pezzoli
MilanThe Museo Poldi Pezzoli is a museum in Milan that was founded in the 19th century from the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and his mother, Rosa Trivulzio, from the Gian Giacomo Trivulzio family. The museum holds and exhibits works by artists including Sandro Botticelli, Antonio Poll 4Museo Regionale della Ceramica di Caltagirone
CaltagironeThe Museo della Ceramica di Caltagirone is a regional museum located in Sicily. It specializes in the display of ceramic artifacts that have been made in Sicily, dating back to prehistoric times. This museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Sicilian ceramics and understand the evolution of this art form over the centuries. 5Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo
VeniceThe Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, also known as Palazzo Mocenigo di San Stae, is located near the Church of San Stae, south of the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce district of Venice, Italy. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Venice. 6La Triennale di Milano
MilanMilan is the beating heart of the design world and La Triennale di Milano is the place to go to if you are interested in contemporary art and design. This design and art museum hosts frequently changing special exhibitions and events focusing on these, or related topics, such as urban planning or me 7Museo del Merletto di Burano
VeniceThe Museo del Merletto, or Lace Museum, is situated in the historic building of the Podestà of Torcello, in Piazza Galuppi in Burano. This building was the headquarters of the renowned Lace School from 1872 to 1970. The museum's location adds a layer of historical significance to the exhibits, as it was once a hub for lace-making education and production. 8Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
MilanThe Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is an important historic house museum nestled in downtown Milan. Nose around & see how aristocratic Milanese lived. The Renaissance art, decorative arts, furniture, scientific & musical instruments, sun dials, majolica, arms & armor and the rooms are preserved just as t- 9
Stanze al Genio
PalermoThe Museo delle maioliche Stanze al Genio has an exhibition of almost 5,000 examples of Italian majolica tiles from the 15th to the 19th century, arranged over 8 rooms. The Museum is housed in a part of the seventeenth-century Palazzo Torre Pirajno in Palermo. 10Paparella Treccia Devlet Museum
PescaraThe Museo Paparella Treccia Devlet is an art museum located in Pescara, Abruzzo. It is housed in Villa Urania, a small eclectic-style building that dates back to the late 19th century. The villa was built by Baron Giandomenico Treccia as a summer residence for his wife, Urania Valentini. The museum is situated in the heart of Pescara, just a few steps from the sea, making it easily accessible for tourists. 11Glauco Lombardi museum
ParmaThe Lombardi Museum, situated on Giuseppe Garibaldi street in Parma, is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation of history and art. Its location corresponds to the Piazzale della Pace, making it easily accessible for visitors. 12Fondazione Accorsi Ometto - Museo di Arti Decorative
TurinFondazione Accorsi Ometto - Museo di Arti Decorative (The Accorsi - Ometto Museum) is a private decorative arts museum in Turin that is housed in a historical building called the Via Po from 1684. The museum consists of 27 rooms that are divided into two sections: the first section features pieces f 13Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola
GenoaGalleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola, The National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola (Spinola palace of Pellicceria or palace of Francesco Grimaldi) is a state museum located in a noble palace built at the end of the 16th century in Genoa. The third floor is occupied by the National Gallery of Liguria, wh 14Pinacoteca Civica di Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli PicenoThe Pinacoteca Civica di Ascoli Piceno is a significant art museum located in the Marche region of central Italy. It is housed in the North and West wings of the Palazzo dell'Arengo, situated in the Piazza Arringo. The museum's location adds to its charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and architectural beauty of the region. 15Galleria Parmeggiani
Reggio nell'EmiliaThe 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. 16Museum of Textile and Costume
SpoletoThe Museum of Textile and Costume in Spoleto is a part of the interregional Umbrian-Marchigian museum network known as Sistema museo. This network includes various museums across the regions of Umbria and Marche, providing a comprehensive cultural experience for visitors. 17Museo Civico Medievale
BolognaMuseo Civico Medievale (The Medieval Civic Museum) is part of the Civic Museums of Ancient Art in Bologna that is housed in Palazzo Ghislardi, an example of 15th century Bolognese architecture. It holds a collection of sepulchral monuments mostly from the 14th century and preserves works of Lombard 18Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure
FlorenceThe Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a public institute of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage in Florence. The operating and research activities of the Opificio are focused on the fields of restoration, preservation of works of art and the teaching of restoration. The museum is housed in the ro 19Museo Salvatore Ferragamo
FlorenceThe Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is dedicated to the renowned shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Ferragamo emigrated to the United States and ended up in Hollywood where he worked with many stars in the 1920s. After that, he returned to Italy and founded a company selling unique handmade shoes and othe 20Gucci Museum - Gucci Garden
FlorenceEstablished in 2011, the Gucci Museum - Gucci Garden is devoted to the renowned Florentine fashion house founded in 1921. It's housed in a 14th-century palace and showcases plenty of goods including bags, clothes, and jewelry. The museum also contains contemporary art installations, a library, a caf 21Museo Etnografico Regionale- Collezione Luigi Cocco
CagliariThe Luigi Cocco collection is a significant collection of Sardinian art and crafts. It is managed by the municipality and is located at the citadel of museums in Cagliari. This collection provides a unique insight into the traditional art and craftsmanship of Sardinia, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in art, history, and culture. 22Palazzo Morando
MilanThe 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 23Museo dell'Arte Ceramica
Ascoli PicenoThe Museo dell'arte ceramica, or the Ceramic Art Museum, is situated in the picturesque cloister of the former convent of the Romanesque church of San Tommaso in Ascoli Piceno. This museum, which was inaugurated on June 1, 2007, offers a unique blend of history and artistry, making it a fascinating destination for tourists. 24Museo della Ceramica a Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul MareThe 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. 25Tesoro dei Granduchi
FlorenceThe Tesoro dei Granduchi (Treasure of the Grand Dukes) is part of the Palazzo Pitti complex in Florence. Established in the second half of the 19th century, it is housed in the northern side wing of the main building and extends over 14 rooms on the ground floor and 13 rooms at the mezzanine floor a 26Bonocore Palace
PalermoThe Palazzo Bonocore was restored by the Superintendence for cultural heritage of Palermo and now hosts an exhibition showcasing the Greek-Albanian and Latin liturgical tradition in Sicily. This exhibition provides a unique insight into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Sicily's rich history, making it a worthwhile visit for tourists interested in culture and history. 27Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone
GenoaThe Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone is a museum of Asian art in the northern Italian port of Genoa. The museum exhibits the collection of the etcher Edoardo Chiossone, which he brought together during his stays in Japan during the Meiji era. The collection includes paintings, prints, potter 28Museo del corallo Ascione
NaplesMuseo del corallo Ascione (The Museum of the Coral) is a museum in Naples that illustrates the history of the coral jewelry production through the pieces it holds of the company Ascione from Torre del Greco from the 18th century to the present day. Furthermore, the museum holds some cameos and jewel 29Davia Bargellini Museum
BolognaThe 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 30Palazzo Doria-Tursi
GenoaThe Palazzo Doria Tursi is a palace in the old town of the Italian city of Genoa. It is located on Via Garibaldi, which belongs to the so-called Strade Nuove, which since 2006 belongs to UNESCO World Heritage. As part of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the Palazzo Doria Tursi is also a UNESCO World Heritage 31Glass Museum in Empoli
EmpoliThe Glass Museum of Empoli is situated in a historical building at 50 Ridolfi Street. This building, known as the 'salt warehouse', dates back to the 14th century and was originally used to store and distribute the product of the Volterra salt pans. This unique location adds a layer of historical significance to the museum, making it not just a place to learn about glassmaking, but also a site of historical interest. 32Wolfsoniana
GenoaWolfsoniana is an art museum in Genoa that is related to the Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d'Arte Moderna) in Genoa and belongs to the museum group of Nervi. The museum is located in the former ducal palace. Founder of the collection is the American Mitchell Wolfson jr., son of media entrepreneur 33Museo Nazionale Collezione Salce
TrevisoThe Museo nazionale Collezione Salce, located in Treviso, is home to the largest collection of advertising graphics in Italy. This extensive collection was generously donated to the Italian state by Ferdinando Salce, a native of Treviso. The museum is a testament to Salce's lifelong passion for illustrated posters and his dedication to collecting them. 34Boncompagni Ludovisi Decorative Art Museum
RomeThe 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 35The Costume Gallery
FlorenceThe The Costume Gallery in Florence is part of the Pitti Palace complex, located in the wing called the Palazzina della Meridiana. Devoted to fashion, its exhibitions illustrate the evolution of fashion from the 16th to the early 20th century. The collection contains more than 6,000 items, including 36Basilio Cascella Civic Museum
PescaraThe Basilio Cascella Civic Museum is an Italian art gallery situated in the Porta Nuova district of Pescara. The museum was established in a former lithographic factory that was set up in the 19th century by the painter Basilio Cascella. This location served as a center of artistic production and a meeting place for intellectuals for half a century. 37Porcelain Museum
FlorenceThe Porcelain Museum is located in the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The museum holds a great collection of porcelain that was once in possession of the ruling families - the Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy. The items on display originate from different periods and are not only from Italy, but also from A 38Accademia delle Belle Arti
GenoaThe Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts was established in Genoa in 1751 and is located in a neoclassical building, designed by architect Carlo Barabino. The museum was officially opened in 1980 and features ten exhibition rooms. The museum holds a collection that includes Ligurian paintings from the fou 39Museo della Tappezzeria
BolognaMuseo della Tappezzeria (The "Vittorio Zironi" Museum of Historical Tapestry), is part of the system of the Civic Museums of Ancient Art in the Municipality of Bologna. Founded by the artisan upholsterer Vittorio Zironi, it is located in the neoclassical Villa Spada. The collection includes various- 40
MURATS - Museo Unico Regionale Arte Tessile Sarda
SamugheoThe MURATS, or Museo Unico Regionale Arte Tessile Sarda, is situated in the town of Samugheo, in the province of Oristano. This region is renowned for its textile production, making it an ideal location for a museum dedicated to the art of Sardinian textiles. 41Museo d'arte di Palazzo Gavotti
SavonaThe Museo d'arte di Palazzo Gavotti is a museum located in the heart of the historic center of Savona, Italy. It is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Gavotti, which was once the town hall. The museum is situated in Piazza Chabrol, a location that adds to its historical significance.- 42
Art52 Esposizione
OrtiseiSeated in a local congress center, this gallery houses a permanent exhibition of woodcarvings, paitings and art pieces. - 43
Fermo Immagine - Museo del Manifesto Cinematografico
MilanFermo Immagine - Museum of the Milan Film Manifesto (Fermo Immagine - Museo del Manifesto Cinematografico) is a private museum in Milan that houses a collection of film posters. - 44
Museo del Design 1880-1980
MilanMuseo del Design 1880-1980 is a museum in Milan that holds and exhibits a collection that is curated by Giovanni Klaus Koenig.