Explore Bologna: 20 Must-Visit Museums in the Heart of Italy

Established in 1936, located in Palazzo d’Accursio. Features a diverse collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The Collection houses the instruments used for the experimental study of physics in the 19th and 20th centuries, which still have a fundamental scientific and historical value. Uncover the stories behind this collection, which includes instruments and documents that have been preserved by local scientific institutions in the last two centuries, but also new exhibits acquired in the last few years.

The Comparative Anatomy Collection exhibits preparations, skeletons and specimens which provide us documentary evidence on how vertebrates evolved across millions of years to adapt to new needs such as swimming, digging or running. You will be impressed by the gigantic skeleton of a 16-metre-long sperm whale!

Founded in 2007, located in the Manifattura delle Arti cultural district. This museum focuses on contemporary art, featuring works by Italian and international artists.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, medical scientists began to shift their attention from the study of human anatomy to that of pathology, in order to understand the cause and development of certain anomalies. They used wax to make models of the cases studied. You can see a collection of wax models and preparations which were used to study the human body and its pathologies. Enjoy the precise details of these scientific, historical and artistic treasures.

Founded in 1881, located in the heart of Bologna. This museum houses an extensive collection of Etruscan, Roman, and Greek artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and ancient inscriptions.

Opened in 1985, located in Palazzo Ghisilardi. Showcases a vast collection of medieval artifacts, including sculptures, weapons, and illuminated manuscripts.

Opened in 1998, located in Borgo Panigale. Celebrates the history of Ducati motorcycles, featuring vintage bikes, racing memorabilia, and exhibits on the brand’s technological innovations.

Opened in 1999, located in Via Valdonica. This museum explores the history and culture of the Jewish community in Bologna, featuring artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits.

Opened in 2009, located in Palazzo Poggi. Focuses on the history and culture of students in Europe, featuring artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits.

Opened in 2004, located in Palazzo Sanguinetti. Showcases a rich collection of musical instruments, manuscripts, and historical artifacts related to the history of music in Bologna.

Established in 2007, located in Parco della Zucca. This museum commemorates the victims of the Ustica disaster, featuring a reconstructed DC-9 aircraft and personal artifacts from the passengers.

Opened in 2017, located in Via de’ Gombruti. This contemporary art museum hosts rotating exhibitions and immersive art installations.

Do you know how scientists used to work in the 18th century? The Museum of Palazzo Poggi recreates the laboratories and collections belonging to the Institute of Sciences and Arts, which was once located in the same building. Here you will learn about the first experimental studies conducted by scientists at the Institute. After almost three centuries, the great frescoed rooms house the famous collections dedicated to geography and nautical science, military architecture, physics, natural history, chemistry, human anatomy and obstetrics, together with the collection belonging to the Aldrovandi Museum.

Opened in 1997, located in the former Fornace Galotti. This museum explores Bologna’s industrial heritage, featuring exhibits on the city’s manufacturing history and technological innovations.

Founded in 1946, located in Villa Spada. This museum showcases the history of textiles and upholstery, featuring fabrics, tools, and historical garments.

Opened in 1726, located in the Torre della Specola. This museum focuses on the history of astronomy and the scientific instruments used in astronomical research.

Opened in 2012, located in Palazzo Pepoli. Offers an interactive journey through the history of Bologna, from its Etruscan origins to the present day.

Established in 1860, located at the University of Bologna. Features an extensive collection of animal specimens, including rare and exotic species from around the world.

Established in 1808, located in the University district. Features an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art, including works by Giotto, Raphael, and Titian.