Summary of Museums in Turin
- Reggia di Venaria Reale: Best Palace Museum
- Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli: Best Avant-garde Art
- Museo Egizio: Best Ancient Egyptian Treasures
- Museo Lavazza: Best for Epicureans
- Museo Nazionale del Cinema: Best for Families
- Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano: Best for Modern History Buffs
- Museo Casa Mollino: Best Unsung 20th-century Design
- Juventus Museum: Best for Soccer Fans
- Museo della Sindone: Best for Curios
- Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile: Best for Car Buffs
As an ancient Celtic-Ligurian city, Roman colony, and glittering capital of Savoy from the 16th century, Turin is an obvious destination for museum buffs. The elegant metropolis served as the engine room of Italian unification in 1861 and was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy, adding to its historical allure.
In the early 20th century, Turin became a booming center for industrial production and a linchpin of contemporary Piedmont. The city boasts a mixed bag of vibrant cultural offerings, including cars, film, football, exceptional coffee, and an edgy design scene. Each of these themes has its own dedicated museum, making Turin a treasure trove for art and history enthusiasts.
State museums are free for visitors under 18; however, avoid visiting on a Monday when many are closed. If you’re determined to explore several musei and monuments, consider the Torino+Piemonte Card (available for €29/38/44 for 24/48/72 hours), which is a sound investment. Advance online reservations are advisable for popular museums, such as the cinema museum. Of the over 40 museums in Turin, here are ten of the best to visit.
Reggia di Venaria Reale: Best Palace Museum
It is impossible not to gasp in awe at La Venaria Reale, a UNESCO-listed baroque palace that served as a lavish hunting retreat for Savoy kings and duchesses during the 17th and 18th centuries. Imagine 196,000 square meters of stucco, exquisite frescoes, and over ten hectares of immaculate gardens.
The Museum of Theater and Magnificence within La Venaria Reale ensures that history comes alive. Visitors are guided through a dazzling journey featuring a recreated 17th-century kitchen and royal apartments adorned with masterpieces by Rubens and Van Dyck.
Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli: Best Avant-garde Art
No museum embodies the city’s rich industrial heritage as brilliantly as Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli. Located on the rooftop of the historic Fiat factory, this art gallery is home to works by noted artists such as Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse. Visitors can explore the original rooftop test track and landscaped gardens, enhancing their gallery experience.
Museo Egizio: Best Ancient Egyptian Treasures
Featuring an incredible selection of artifacts, Turin’s Egyptian Museum is renowned for some of the world’s oldest collections of Egyptian artifacts, second only to Cairo. From anthropomorphic coffins to intricate funerary masks, the museum holds a wealth of treasures awaiting exploration.
Museo Lavazza: Best for Epicureans
In a city where espresso reigns supreme, the Museo Lavazza celebrates the caffeinated brew’s rich history. The modern venue features engaging interactive displays that outline the evolution of Lavazza, from its humble origins to contemporary coffee cultivation.
Museo Nazionale del Cinema: Best for Families
Located in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, the National Cinema Museum captivates visitors of all ages. Engaging exhibitions trace the history of filmmaking, while mini theaters showcase various film genres and virtual reality experiences, offering fun for the entire family.
Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano: Best for Modern History Buffs
Experience the compelling narrative of Italy’s unification at the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano. Located in the baroque Palazzo Carignano, this museum portrays key events of the Risorgimento, enhancing the emotional experience of this pivotal period in Italian history.
Museo Casa Mollino: Best Unsung 20th-century Design
To explore the fascinating home of 20th-century artist-designer Carlo Mollino, visitors should arrange to tour Casa Mollino in advance. This intriguing house-museum showcases Mollino’s eclectic collection of art and design.
Juventus Museum: Best for Soccer Fans
The Juventus Museum, popularly known as J-Museum, offers a unique experience, especially on match days when visitors can explore behind the scenes of the state-of-the-art stadium, catching glimpses of players and the team’s match preparation.
Museo della Sindone: Best for Curios
The gripping narrative at Museo della Sindone continues to intrigue visitors. Located within the crypt of Chiesa del Santo Sudaro, this small museum details the fascinating tale of the Holy Shroud, believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile: Best for Car Buffs
The National Car Museum in Turin provides an engaging exploration of the automobile’s history and design evolution, featuring highlights such as Leonardo da Vinci’s wooden cart and stunning classic cars that have shaped the automotive industry.
