Explore Genoa's Must-Visit Museums

Explore Genoa’s Must-Visit Museums

Genoa, a historic port city in Italy, is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Here are some of the best must-visit museums in Genoa:

Ornately decorated room with stone fireplace, medieval furniture, chandelier, and patterned wallpaper.

Castello d'Albertis

Opened in 1932, located in Corso Dogali. Housed in a neo-Gothic castle, it features ethnographic and archaeological collections gathered by Captain Enrico Alberto d’Albertis.

Old-style wooden sailing ship docked in a calm harbor, surrounded by modern boats and flying seagulls

Galata Museo del Mare

Opened in 2004, located in Calata De Mari. It is Italy’s largest maritime museum, featuring exhibits on Genoa’s seafaring history, ship models, and a reconstructed 17th-century galley.

Formal grand hall with ornate architecture, marble columns, statues, chandeliers, and rows of seating

Genova Palazzo Ducale

Founded in 1339, located in Piazza Matteotti. This historic palace now hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and offers tours of its stunning rooms and architecture.

Urban square with historic and modern buildings, pedestrians, a statue, streetlights, and potted plants.

Museo dell'Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti

Established in 1751, located in Largo Pertini. This museum displays works by Ligurian artists from the 15th to the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Museum exhibit with prehistoric skeletal remains in a glass case, and taxidermy bear in cave setting.

Museo di Archeologia Ligure

Founded in 1936, located in Via Pallavicini. Features archaeological finds from Liguria, including prehistoric artifacts, Roman relics, and medieval objects.

Neoclassical white building with symmetrical windows, surrounded by trees, palms, and nearby cityscape.

Museo d'Arte Contemporanea di Villa Croce

Established in 1985, located in Via Jacopo Ruffini. A contemporary art museum set in a 19th-century villa, featuring works by Italian and international artists.

Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone

Opened in 1905, located in Villetta Di Negro. This museum features a vast collection of Asian art, including Japanese prints, sculptures, and ceramics.

Museo della Carta di Mele

Established in 2008, located in Via del Monastero. This museum is dedicated to the history and production of paper, featuring historical tools, machinery, and workshops.

Large, two-story red brick building with arched windows, central door, and palm tree in open space.

Museo Navale di Pegli - Villa Centurione Doria

Founded in 1992, located in Via Pegli. This museum showcases Genoa’s naval history, with exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and maritime artifacts.

Grand building with arched entrance, classical elements, statues, palm trees, and reflecting pool.

Museo di Palazzo Reale di Genova

Established in 1919, located in Via Balbi. The museum showcases lavish royal apartments, frescoes, and an impressive collection of art and decorative objects.

Grand interior hallway with high arched ceilings, marble columns, statues, and intricate flooring.

Museo del Risorgimento

Opened in 1915, located in Via Lomellini. Chronicles the history of the Italian unification movement, with exhibits on significant events, documents, and artifacts.

Interior of art gallery with classical sculptures, high ceilings, and large religious paintings.

Museo di Sant’Agostino

Established in 1977, located in Piazza Sarzano. Housed in a former monastery, it exhibits medieval and Renaissance sculptures, frescoes, and architectural fragments.

Elegant building with classical and baroque elements, ornate facade, green shutters, terrace, sky.

Musei di Strada Nuova

Located in Via Garibaldi, including Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Tursi. These museums house important art collections featuring works by Caravaggio, Veronese, and Rubens.

Stone building with archway entrance, flag above, potted trees, paved path, urban background.

Museo della Storia del Genoa

Opened in 2009, located in Via al Porto Antico. Dedicated to the history of Genoa C.F.C., the oldest football club in Italy, featuring memorabilia, trophies, and interactive exhibits.

Historic building with classical architecture featuring columns, ornate sculptures, and rectangular windows.

Museo di Storia Naturale Giacomo Doria

Founded in 1867, located in Via Brigata Liguria. This natural history museum features extensive collections of zoological, botanical, and geological specimens.

Interior of a grand cathedral with central aisle, arches, columns, frescoes, stained glass, and altar.

Museo del Tesoro della Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Established in 1956, located in Piazza San Lorenzo. Houses a collection of religious artifacts, including precious liturgical objects, relics, and manuscripts.

Genoa's museums offer a rich and diverse cultural experience, reflecting the city's historical significance and vibrant artistic scene. From maritime heritage to contemporary art, these museums provide a deep dive into Genoa's multifaceted identity.

EXHIBITS