The wealth of art throughout Italy is a testament to the cultural richness and dedication to its preservation. Italy’s cultural heritage is present in its many wonderful art museums which are housed in beautiful palazzos, Renaissance villas, and modern architectural masterpieces. Rome is the art lover’s paradise and is home to some of the best art galleries in Italy from the collections of the Vatican to Renaissance masterpieces in the Borghese gallery. Florence and Venice are brimming with masterpieces that entice the art loving visitor year on year, Milan and Naples are home to fascinating collections both modern and ancient, innovative, and classic. There is no doubt that Italian museums offer an endless journey into the art of the past and the innovation of present day artists.

The best museums to visit while in Italy

In this article we will explore 10 of the most exciting art museums in Italy. From large art collections with renowned artists to lesser-known art galleries with contemporary collections, each stop tells unique stories through timeless masterpieces.

Vatican Museums, Rome

These public museums in Italy, located within the Vatican are home to an immense mass of works collected by the Catholic church over generations, from Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. With 24 rooms displaying masterpieces including the incredible Sistine Chapel.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Located in the historical centre of Florence, the Uffizi is a prominent art gallery in Italy famed for its impressive collection of ancient paintings and sculpture. The gallery is home to world renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Botticelli to name just a few.

Borghese Gallery, Rome

Set within the grounds of the third largest park in Rome, the Borghese gallery takes its visitors on an epic journey through artistic talent. Caravaggio’s ‘David with the Head of Goliath’ and works of art from Domenichino and Raphael all add to the rich artistic panorama within the walls of this grand gallery.

MAXXI, Rome

Located in the Flaminio neighbourhood of Rome, the MAXXI museum is home to a wonderful collection of innovative, modern, and contemporary art. The building itself is an architectural wonder and a piece of art, designed by the architect Zaha Hadid and widely considered one of the best art museums in Italy.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice

Within the walls of the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni lies one of the most important personal art collections in Europe. Located on the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice, this collection includes Surrealism, Cubism and Abstract Expressionism, making it a fascinating collection that everyone will enjoy.

Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan

Housed in an impressive 16th century palazzo, the 38 halls that make up this esteemed Italian art gallery, are organised depending on what school they belong to, with mainly religious paintings by masters such as Tintoretto, Francesco Hayez and Raphael.

Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice

This historic gallery, located in the Scuola della Carità on the south bank of the Grand Canal, houses an impressive collection of Venetian art and is considered one of the best art museums in Italy. Home to incredible masterpieces such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man and works by Carpaccio, Bellini and Veronese.  

Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Naples

Located within the Capodimonte Royal Palace, this Italian art museum is home to Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Among them is the renowned ‘Farnese Collection’ which is a priceless collection of artworks by Michelangelo, Raffaello, Tiziano, Masaccio and Ribera.

Galleria Sabauda, Turin

Taking over three of the floors at the Royal Palace of Turin, this historic gallery is home to masterpieces from the Piedmontese schools, particularly from Dutch and Italian artists. It’s also home to installation art such as the The Ballad of Forgotten Places, by Botto&Bruno.

Museo Archeologico di Napoli

Home to wonderful artefacts taken from Pompeii and Herculaneum, including an extensive collection of mosaics, frescoes, ceramics, statues, and household items. It is recommended to visit this museum before visiting the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum to get a better sense of what was there.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino airport

As you prepare to explore some of the most exciting art museums in Italy remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop&Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not combinable with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

Italy is an art enthusiast’s paradise and with so much wonderful art to choose from you are spoiled for choice. From Renaissance masterpieces in Florence and Rome to modern and contemporary exhibitions in Venice and Naples, you are bound to be astounded by the excellent art on display. 

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