Civic Museum at Palazzo della Penna

Historic Building and Museum in Perugia

Palazzo Penna - Bertel Thorvaldsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 / G.dallorto

The Civic Museum at Palazzo della Penna (Museo Civico Palazzo della Penna) is housed in the former 17th-century residence of Ascanio della Penna, a nobleman passionate about collecting fine art during his service to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The building is constructed on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and an ancient Roman road, incorporating parts of the medieval city walls into its foundation, visible in the hallways of the lower gallery.

Historical and Artistic Features: The gallery rooms feature frescoed ceilings by Umbrian artist Antonio Castelletti, depicting the mythological story of Paris of Troy. The Sala dei Paesaggi, or Landscape Room, is adorned with trompe l’oeil landscapes of the Umbrian countryside on every wall, complemented by a coffered and intricately painted ceiling.

Permanent Collections: The museum’s permanent collections include a series of rooms showcasing works by the futurist painter Gerardo Dottori. The lower floor galleries memorialize the 1980 “Beuys Burri” meeting at the Rocca Paolina, where modern artists Joseph Beuys and Alberto Burri shared their contrasting methods of artistic expression through photos and multimedia displays.

Exhibits and Events: In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts a dynamic range of exhibits and events throughout the year, making it a vibrant cultural destination.

BIOO Café: At the museum’s entrance, the BIOO Café serves coffee, tea, still and sparkling wines, and a selection of gourmet sandwiches, cheeses, and cured meats. The café also hosts periodic events such as themed dinners, book signings, lectures, and concerts, held either indoors or in the open-air courtyard.

The Civic Museum at Palazzo della Penna is a must-visit for its rich historical context, impressive art collections, and engaging cultural activities.

The Civic Museum at Palazzo della Penna appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

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Visiting Civic Museum at Palazzo della Penna

Hours:

Summer Season (May-October): Tuesdays – Sundays 10:00 am–7:00 pm

April and August Only: Open 7 days a week: 10:00 am–7:00 pm

Winter Season (November – March): Tuesdays – Sundays 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Price:

€ 3

Address: Museo Civico di Palazzo della Penna, Via Prospero Podiani, Perugia, Province of Perugia, Italy

Duration: 20 minutes