Turin museums are renowned for their diverse collections of art and artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city. From the ancient Egyptians to the Renaissance masters, Turin museums offer something for everyone. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular museums in Turin and provide as much information as possible about each of them.
Museo Egizio
The Museo Egizio, or Egyptian Museum, is one of the oldest and most important museums of Egyptology in the world. It houses a vast collection of Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, sarcophagi, and sculptures, dating back to the Pharaonic period. Some of the highlights of the museum include the statue of Ramses II, the tomb of Kha and Merit, and the collection of amulets and jewelry.
Special Exhibitions
The museum often hosts special exhibitions, showcasing a specific aspect of Egyptology or a collection of artifacts on loan from other museums.
History and Background
The Museo Egizio was founded in 1824 by the King Charles Felix of Sardinia, who purchased the collection of Bernardino Drovetti, a French diplomat and collector of Egyptian antiquities. The museum has been housed in its current location since 1833.
Guided Tours
Guided tours of the museum are available in Italian and English, and can be booked in advance.
Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento
The Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento, or National Museum of the Risorgimento, is dedicated to the history of the Italian Risorgimento, the movement that led to the unification of Italy in 1861. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and works of art related to the Risorgimento, including uniforms, weapons, and paintings.
Special Exhibitions
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions on specific aspects of the Risorgimento or on the works of a particular artist.
History and Background
The Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento was founded in 1878, and was originally located in the Palazzo Carignano, the birthplace of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy. The museum was moved to its current location in the Palazzo Birago in 1911.
Guided Tours
Guided tours of the museum are available in Italian and English, and can be booked in advance.
Museo dell’Automobile
The Museo dell’Automobile, or Automobile Museum, is dedicated to the history of the automobile. The museum houses a collection of over 200 cars, dating back to the early days of the automobile, as well as engines, bicycles, and motorcycles. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Bugatti Type 35, the Ferrari 250 GTO, and the Alfa Romeo 8C.
Special Exhibitions
The museum often hosts special exhibitions, showcasing a specific aspect of the history of the automobile or a collection of cars on loan from other museums.
History and Background
The Museo dell’Automobile was founded in 1960 by Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of the Fiat car company. The museum was originally locatedin the Lingotto factory, but was moved to its current location in the Oval Lingotto building in 2011.
Guided Tours
Guided tours of the museum are available in Italian and English, and can be booked in advance.
Museo di arte contemporanea
The Museo di Arte Contemporanea, or Museum of Contemporary Art, is a must-see destination for art lovers. The museum houses a collection of contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, and video art, by Italian and international artists. Some of the highlights of the museum include works by artists such as Joseph Kosuth, Sol Lewitt and Mario Merz.
Special Exhibitions
The museum often hosts special exhibitions, showcasing a specific aspect of contemporary art or the works of a particular artist.
History and Background
The Museo di Arte Contemporanea was founded in 1984 and is located in the heart of Turin, in the Valentino Park. The museum has a strong focus on promoting contemporary art and new talents.
Guided Tours
Guided tours of the museum are available in Italian and English, and can be booked in advance.
In conclusion, Turin museums offer a diverse range of collections, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city. From the ancient Egyptians to the Renaissance masters, contemporary art and the history of the automobile, there is something for everyone to discover. Each museum offers special exhibitions, informative background and guided tours in different languages. It’s definitely worth taking the time to visit them all.
