Museums
MUSEUMS OF GENOA
Genoa has a large number of interesting museums (www.museidigenova.it). They are all usually closed on Mondays. Only a few of the museums have any information about their collections in English, but they are still worth a visit. Some museums offer an audio guide in English, but you will be asked to leave your ID at the reception while touring around the museum. If you are planning to stay in Genoa long term, it is worth buying a museum card, which will give free access to most museums once you have paid the membership fee.
MUSEUMS IN THE CITY CENTER
Musei di Strada Nuova – The Strada Nuova Museums
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique226
http://www.rolliestradenuove.it/eng/index.htm
Palazzo Bianco
Via Garibaldi, 11 - 16124 Genova - ph. 010 5572193
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-19; Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique228
Palazzo Rosso
Via Garibaldi, 18 - 16124 Genova -ph. 010 5574972
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-19; Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique227
Palazzo Tursi
Via Garibaldi, 9 16124 Genova – ph. 10 5572193
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-19; Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique229
Located in Via Garibaldi, the Renaissance and Baroque street once known as Strada Nuova (New Street) these three museums are listed among the 42 Genoese palazzi which, in 2006, became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Palazzo Bianco is the main picture gallery in the Liguria Region and exhibits paintings by Flemish artists (such as Rubens and Van Dyck) Italian artists (such as Caravaggio) and Genovese artists (such as Cambiaso, Fiasella, Magnasco, Piola, and Strozzi). Palazzo Rosso, a home-museum decorated by some of the most important Genovese painters (including De Ferrari and Piola) exhibits antique furniture and art collections donated to the City of Genoa by the Brignole Sale Family. Palazzo Tursi, the City Hall of Genoa, is connected to Palazzo Bianco by way of a garden. One section of the palace displays tapestries, furniture, and Ligurian pottery, coins, weights and measures from the ancient Republic of Genoa. The famous violin (Guarnieri del Gesu) which belonged to the great Genoese violinist Niccolo' Paganini is also displayed here.
Museo Civico di Storia Naturale
Via Brigata Liguria 9 - Genova - ph. 010 564 567 – Open: Tue-Sun. 10-18
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique264
The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale Giacomo Doria's brochure says "its well-known in international scientific circles for the richness of its materials; four million specimens, mostly zoological but there are also remarkable botanical, mineralogical and paleontological collections". It has a "dated feeling", taking you back to your childhood with stuffed animals, in long rows, down long corridors. There are rooms with animals in their "natural" surroundings, with birdcalls and roaring lions coming from hidden speakers. Great for kids.
Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chissone
Villetta Di Negro, Pl. Mazzini 4N – 16122 Genova - ph. 010 542 285 – Open: Tue-Fri 9-13; Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique263
The museum is just off Piazza Corvetto in a small, very pretty park with a waterfall (recently restored) called Villetta di Negro on a hillside. The park entrance is behind a large statue and it's a steep walk uphill (about 5-7 minutes) to the museum.
Guidebooks state it has one of the most extensive Asian art collections in Europe including Japanese, Chinese and Thai artwork, sculpture, uniforms, scrolls and netsukes. There are block prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) and many important ancient Buddha statues. All signage is in Italian and there are no brochures offered in other languages. The museum has two sets of stairs, which lead to different areas. There are great views of the city's rooftops from the lovely garden and gazebo.
Castello Mackenzie
Mura di San Bartolomeo, 16 - 16122 Genova - ph, 010 839 5029
Castello MacKenzie is an amazing Art Nouveau, Gothic, Tuscan, Renaissance gem overlooking Piazza Manin. It's an architecturally intriguing structure with towers, mosaics, paintings, wrought iron decorations, trenches and a drawbridge, which have been restored over the years by the American Mitchell Wolfson Jr. and by the Cambi Family who hold Antique estate auctions there. It is possible to tour around the Castello on auction days for free or take an extensive guided tour with a reservation.
Read more on Castello Mackenzie – http://www.cambiaste.com/uk/cambi-aste.asp
Museo di Sant'Agostino
Piazza di Sarzano 35r –16128 Genova – ph. 010 2511263
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-19, Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique262
This is the main Museum of Sculpture and Architecture of Liguria and the only one which provides the visitor with a view of the Genovese sculpture from the Middle Ages (10th century) to modern times (18th century).
It's housed in a 13th century Augustinian church and convent with its unique medieval triangular cloister, church and 17th century bell tower, which have been renovated and transformed into the museum. AIWC has made a 60-minute, guided walking tour around the Museum in English (also French and German) and it is available at the reception.
Galata Museo del Mare
Porto Antico - Calata de Mari, 1 – Genova - ph. 010 2345655 – Open: Mar-Oct.: Mon-Sun. 10-19:30; Nov-Feb: Tue-Fri. 10-18 and Sat-Sun. 10-19:30
www.galatamuseodelmare.it
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique251
The Galata Museo del mare is the most important maritime museum in the Mediterranean. Located in the old arsenal of Genoa and equipped with the latest technologies, the museum houses more than 6.000 historical maps, documents and artifacts related to the subject from the time of Columbus to the present. Notable for the section on Italian emigration to America.
Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola
Piazza de Pellicceria 1 -16123 Genova – ph. 010 270 5300
Open: Tue-Sat 8.30 to 19:30
www.palazzospinola.it
The magnificent Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola is located in the Centro Storico. Its marvelous collection of paintings was donated by some of the great Genovese families and to understand the city one must know these families. Represented are the Grimaldi's, Pallavicino's, Fieschi's and the Doria's. Paolo and Franco Spinola donated the Palace, its contents and collection of paintings to the Italian State in 1958. Palazzo Spinola hosts concerts in October and throughout the Spring free with the entrance price to the museum. These concerts are presented in conjunction with the Nicolo' Paganini Conservatory of Genoa and are given in the splendid frescoed main Salon gallery room; it's magical! The museum has a Facebook page, where they announce all events. Their website is currently not functioning as of March 2014.
Museo Diocesano
Chiostro dei Canonici, via T. Reggio 20r, 16123 Genova -
Open: Mon-Sat 3-7pm. --
info@museodiocesanogenova.it
The museum offers an opportunity for an in-depth knowledge of the city, through the rediscovery of works that document the history of the Church in Genoa. Of particular interest is the collection of 14 tapestry type canvases ("I Blu di Genova") painted with the Stories of the Passion of Christ. They are considered the true ancestors of the modern "jeans" fabric. http://www.museodiocesanogenova.it/museo-blu-di-genova.htm
Museo del Jazz di Genova
Via Tomaso Reggio 34
16123 Genova – ph. 010 585 241
Open: Mondays and Fridays 17:30 – 19:30
Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday 16:30 – 19:30
www.italianjazzinstitute.com
This museum is very easy to miss even though it is right next to Palazzo Ducale, on the Piazza Matteotti side. It houses a huge collection of jazz records covering the careers of the most famous international names in jazz. The idea is that anyone interested in jazz can come here to listen to their favorite records and CDs from the archives. The museum organizes regular talks on topics relating to history of jazz and these are open to the general public. The presentations are normally held in Italian, but it may still be worth going there to meet other jazz enthusiasts and check out the scene in Genoa. There is a school of jazz attached to the museum, where it is possible to learn to sing and play jazz with different instruments.
Museo delle Culture del Mondo
Castello d'Albertis
Corso Dogali, 18 – Genova - ph. 010-2723820 – Open: October-March: Tue-Wed-Thu-Fri. 10-17; April-Sept.: Tue-Fri. 10-18: Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique230
To reach the museum, take the unique Balbi/Montegalletto horizontal/vertical elevator on Via Balbi near Principe Railroad Station (next to Farmacia Pescetto) which stops in front of the museum entrance. The Castle, recently restored, hosts a variety of collections, including a most interesting one of the North American Plains Indians and Hopi, gathered by Captain Enrico Alberto d'Albertis during his years of travel as an archeologist and ethnographer.
Palazzo del Principe
Piazza del Principe, 4 – Genova – ph. 010 255509 – Open: Mon-Sun. 10-18
E-mail: info.ge@dopart.it
Websites: www.dopart.it/genova – www.doriapamphilj.it
The Prince's Palace, located near the Principe train station, is the residence of the Doria Pamphilj princes. Partially restored quite recently, the Palace was built in 1528 by Andrea Doria (1466-1560), the great admiral of Emperor Charles V. Frescoes and decorations were done by Perin del Vaga, from the school of Raffaello. Composer Giuseppe Verdi rented an apartment in the Palace where he spent several winters.
Palazzo Reale National Gallery
Via Balbi, 10 – 16126 Genova – ph. 010 271 0236
Open: Tue-Wed 9-13,30 – Thu-Sun 9-19
http://www.palazzorealegenova.it/en/
Located on Via Balbi, near the Principe train station, the Royal Palace (1650) is a large patrician residence built and enlarged upon over time and splendidly decorated first by the Savoia family and then two subsequent Genoese dynasties: the Balbis and the Durazzos. It is quite likely the most immense architectural construction of the 1600s and 1800s preserved intact in Genoa, right down to its interior frescoes, stuccos and furnishings (paintings, sculptures, furniture, and ornaments). The Van Dyck room is most impressive.
Commenda di Prè and the Church of S. Giovanni di Prè
Piazza della Commenda - 16126 Genova
ph. 010 2514760 / 010 2512435 / 010 5573681 (ticket office)
Open: Tue-Fri. 10-17; Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique252
Near Principe Station, the Commenda complex was built in 1180 as a hostel and hospital for the Knights of Malta, welcoming pilgrims from the north on their way to the Holy Land. Restoration efforts begun in 1914 were not completed until 1961. It is now a museum and exhibition hall.
Villa Croce Museum of Contemporary Art
Via Jacopo Ruffini, 3 – 16128 Genova - ph. 010.58.00.69 -
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-18.30; Sat-Sun. 10-18.30
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique261
Hosts the Cernuschi Ghiringhelli abstract collection as well as works by Genovese and Ligurian artists.
Museo Luzzati
Porta Siberia – Area Porto Antico 6 -16128 Genova – ph. 010 2530328
Open: Tue-Fri 10-13 /14-18 Sat. Sun. 10-18
http://www.museoluzzati.it/sito/
Located in the charming Porta Siberia; was built in 500 by Galeazzo Alessi and restored in 2000 by Renzo Piano. The Museum exhibits the works of Emanuele Luzzati and the most important protagonists of arts as an illustration, film animation, design and comics. Known primarily as a stage designer, Emanuele Luzzati (1921-2007) was a master in every field of applied art.
The Luzzati Museum is a laboratory of experimentation. Teaching Workshops for school children take place every day and every Saturday the children with their families can experience the creative techniques of the artists.
MUSEUMS IN GENOVA-NERVI (Riviera di Levante – Eastern Riviera)
Wolfsoniana
Via Serra Gropallo 4 – 16167 Genova-Nervi - ph. 010 32 31 329
Open: Wednesdays to Sundays 10-18
http://www.wolfsoniana.it/en/informazioni.htm
To reach Nervi from Genoa take bus number 15 from Via Fiume and get off at the last stop, on Via Franchini. Turn right when getting out the bus and go down to Viale delle Palme. Alternatively, you can take the train from Brignole to Nervi. Walk through a passageway to reach the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi and then turn left to get to the museums of Nervi. You will see signs in the brick walkway pointing you to the entrances to four museums in the Parco di Nervi: Wolfsoniana, Gallery of Modern Art, Villa Grimaldi Fassio and Museo Luxoro.
The Wolfsoniana has connections with Florida, as its founder Michael Wolfson lives between Miami and Genova and has museums in both countries. He is a famous collector and philanthropist who has put together an eclectic collection from the 19th and 20th century of decorative arts. The museum which is nicely designed to show off ceramics, war posters, decorative objects, art deco furniture, paintings, sculpture and toys is a delight to tour.
The museum is not overwhelming in size and makes a perfect visit combined with the beauty of strolling along the seaside passeggiata.
Gallery of Modern Art (GMA)
Villa Saluzzo Serra
Via Capolungo 3 - 16167 Genova Nervi - ph.. 010 3726025 - 010 5574739
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 10-18
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique236
Very close to the Wolfsoniana, is another museum in Villa Saluzzo. This is a collection of over 2500 works (paintings, drawings, sculptures and engravings from the early 19th century to date). There are many interesting paintings describing the history of Genoa and social history of people who lived here once upon a time.
Frugone's Collection
Villa Grimaldi Fassio
Via Capolungo 9 - 16167 Genova - Nervi – ph. and fax : 010 322396
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-19, Sat-Sun. 10-19
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique237
The Villa Grimaldi Fassio houses the Frugone collection, which has been in Nervi since 1993. The municipality of Genoa bought this historical Villa, dating back to 18th century, in 1979. This is an important collection of 19th -20th century paintings, sculptures and drawings by Italian and foreign artists.
Museo Giannettino Luxoro
Viale Mafalda di Savoia, 3 – 16167 Genova Nervi - ph. 010 322 673
Open: Tue-Fri. 9-13, Sat-Sun. 10-13.
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique238
You will get a good idea of the lifestyle and wealth of noble families of Genoa in this museum at the Villa Luxoro. There is a great collection of paintings, drawings, furniture, clocks and pottery from 18th -19th centuries. There is also a notable Christmas crib, on permanent display.Click here to change this text
MUSEUMS IN GENOVA-PEGLI (Riviera di Ponente – Western Riviera)
Museo Navale
Villa Doria, Piazza Bonavino, 7 - 16156 Genova-Pegli - ph. 010 6969885
Open: Tue-Wed-Fri 9-13; Sat. 10-18; Sun. 10-13
http://www.museidigenova.it/spip.php?rubrique242
The Naval Museum of Pegli is housed in the sixteenth century Villa Doria Centurioni. In the museum are preserved maritime collections related to Genoa and the Ligurian Riviera: charts, paintings, ship models, construction tools and navigation built between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. Over the time, the museum has become a cultural point of reference for the associations located on the Western Riviera.