Museums in Bologna

National Art Gallery of Bologna is located in the University area, into the previous monastery of Jesuit monks. The collection hosts masterpieces by Giotto, Raffaello, the Carracci and Guido Reni, but with more than thirty rooms it offers to visitors a complete and most exhaustive journey across the centuries into the art of the Bolognese masters. A second branch of National Art Gallery is hosted In Pepoli Campogrande Palace. The majestic Palace dates back to the 60s of 17th century and it was commissioned by the Pepoli, one of the most important senatorial families in Bologna. The rooms are extensively decorated by splendid frescoes by the most prominent Bolognese artists of the time, including Crespi, Canuti, Rolli e Creti. In such a stunning location part of the Zambeccari family paintings collection is exhibited.

Opened in 2004 into 16th century Sanguinetti Palace, the Music Museum hosts a most extensive collection of precious musical instruments, scores, arrangements and librettos illustrating evolution and history of music in Bologna. Among the most precious elements of the collection, hosted in stunning-decorated rooms (absolutely unmissable the ‘boschereccia’ room, painted with fresco simulating a grove) is the paper presented by a young W. A. Mozart, helped by his protector Father Martini, in order to be admitted at composition classes at the local Accademia Filarmonica. Here is also preserved the very first printed score of history. The stunning collection also features memorabilia of castrato singer Farinelli and opera composer Gioacchino Rossini.

Opened in year 2012, the History of Bologna Museum in Pepoli Vecchio Palace offers a most comprehensive and detailed travel into the history of the town, from ancient Etruscan times to contemporary Bologna. Featuring interactive installations and scenographic exhibitions techniques, the collection captures more than 2500 years of history, art and literature of the town.

Featuring over ninety pieces including ancient harpsichords, spinets and pianos, the collection of ancient musical instruments donated by Maestro Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini is hosted into St. Colombano Oratory, stunning location of joined ancient churches and oratories, now deconsecrated, dating as back as early 7th century. An accurate restoration process of the complex yielded elements of a Medieval crypt and a 12th century burial area, as well as a stunning Crucifix painted in fresco by 13th century master Giunta Pisano.

Opened in year 1881, the Museum host one of the most prominent archaeological collection of all Italy. The collection traces the history of town from Prehistory to Roman Period, but here is also preserved one of the most important Italian collections of Egyptian antiquities.

Civic Medieval Museum opened in 1985 into stunning 15th century Ghisilardi Palace. Here are the ancient burial monuments of the Professors of the University, detached from Medieval churches of the town, testifying importance and popularity of the Institution in the past. Absolutely unmissable are the monument to Pope Boniface VIII, 1301, made in foils of golden copper by master Manno Bandini of Siena, and the important collection of weapons and armours, rare proofs of life at Bentivoglio’s court.

Memory of the productive history of Bologna is preserved at local Industrial Heritage Museum, located in northern suburbs of the city, hosted into mid 19th century-built Galotti’s brickworks. Exposition offers an overview of the production of silk, Bologna having been one of the most prominent centres of, in the past, and the important role played by mechanical and electrotechnics production in the area.

Part of Manifattura delle arti district, the Modern Art Museum of Bologna is located in the area of Porto borough of the town. Exhibition joins together the collections of Modern Art Gallery and former Morandi Museum, previously located into the City Hall. Nine sections offer an overview of the most innovative aspects of the Italian art from the end of the World War II until today.