National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art

Gallery, Museum and Palace in Arezzo

Museo Nazionale DArte Medievale E Moderna

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko

In the elegant streets of Arezzo's historic centre, the Bruni Ciocchi Palace offers visitors an unforgettable blend of art, architecture, and history. This refined Renaissance residence, now home to the Municipal Picture Gallery, stands as one of the top sights in Arezzo and perfectly encapsulates the city's artistic spirit. Walking through its graceful courtyard and spacious galleries, one feels transported through time — from medieval devotion to the humanist brilliance of the Renaissance and the refined tastes of the 19th century.

Built in the mid-15th century by Donato Bruni, son of the humanist Leonardo Bruni, this palace embodies the intellectual and cultural vitality of its era. Its elegant symmetry and refined design, likely the work of Bernardo Rossellino, mirror the ideals of Florence's early Renaissance, and its three floors of arcaded courtyards and grand staircases make it a highlight of any walking tour of Arezzo. Inside, the Municipal Picture Gallery unfolds as a journey through centuries of artistic achievement.

History and Significance of Bruni Ciocchi Palace
Things to See and Do in Bruni Ciocchi Palace
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Bruni Ciocchi Palace
Is Bruni Ciocchi Palace Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions to Bruni Ciocchi Palace

History and Significance of Bruni Ciocchi Palace

Commissioned by Donato Bruni in the 15th century, the palace was conceived as both a family residence and a symbol of scholarly prestige. Donato's father, Leonardo Bruni, served as Chancellor of the Florentine Republic and was one of the great thinkers of the early Renaissance. Their family's influence helped shape Arezzo's intellectual landscape, and the palace itself reflects that humanist legacy. Its architectural harmony, arcaded courtyard, and rooftop garden showcase the transition from Gothic to Renaissance ideals, blending practicality with beauty.

The building later passed through several noble families before becoming the home of Arezzo's Municipal Picture Gallery. In this new role, it evolved into one of the must-see places in Arezzo for art enthusiasts, housing a collection that traces the city's cultural development across eight centuries. The palace's preservation allows visitors to appreciate not only the artworks it contains but also the Renaissance craftsmanship that shaped its very walls.

Things to See and Do in Bruni Ciocchi Palace

The Municipal Picture Gallery within Bruni Ciocchi Palace is arranged across twenty rooms, each offering a thematic and chronological glimpse into the evolution of art in Arezzo and beyond. The journey begins with medieval sculptures and early religious art, including statues of St. Michael the Archangel and the Madonna and Child that once adorned the city gates. Works by Margarito d'Arezzo, the city's first major painter, anchor this section in the 13th century.

Moving through the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the collection showcases masterworks by Spinello Aretino, Parri di Spinello, Pietro Lorenzetti, Luca Signorelli, and Giorgio Vasari — artists whose influence helped define Tuscan art. Later galleries feature elegant paintings by Carlo Dolci, Salvator Rosa, and Andrea Pozzo, while 19th-century rooms include works by Pietro Benvenuti, Amos Cassioli, and members of the Macchiaioli movement such as Giovanni Fattori and Telemaco Signorini. The gallery also includes remarkable collections of ivories, bronzes, jewelry, and a rich display of Arezzo's goldsmithing tradition.

Among the highlights is a luminous glazed terracotta altarpiece by Andrea della Robbia and a portrait bust of Vittorio Fossombroni by Lorenzo Bartolini, both representing the craftsmanship and innovation of their time. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arezzo for those who appreciate art's evolution within the context of a stunning Renaissance setting.

How to Get There

The Bruni Ciocchi Palace is located in the heart of Arezzo's historic centre, on Via San Lorentino. From Arezzo railway station, it's an easy 15-minute walk through the winding streets of the old town. For those driving, parking is available at Parcheggio Pietri or Parcheggio Eden, both within a short walk of the museum. As the palace is centrally located, it's often visited on walking tours of Arezzo that include nearby landmarks such as the Cathedral and Piazza Grande.

Practical Tips on Visiting Bruni Ciocchi Palace

Best time to visit Bruni Ciocchi Palace: Spring and autumn for mild weather and comfortable touring.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around 6–8 EUR for adults; discounts available for students and seniors.
Opening hours: Typically 10:00–18:00, closed on Mondays.
Official website: www.discoverarezzo.com
How long to spend: Around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the galleries fully.
Accessibility: Elevator access available to main exhibition floors; courtyard and garden accessible.
Facilities: Restrooms, small bookshop, and cloakroom available.
Photography tip: Capture the interplay of light and shadow in the porticoed courtyard during mid-morning.
Guided tours: Available in Italian and English via advance booking.
Nearby food options: Cafés and trattorias along Via San Lorentino and Piazza Grande serve authentic Tuscan dishes.

Is Bruni Ciocchi Palace Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Bruni Ciocchi Palace is one of the things to do in Arezzo that no art lover should miss. It combines the elegance of Renaissance architecture with one of Tuscany's most fascinating municipal art collections. Whether you're drawn by the works of Vasari and Signorelli or the charm of Della Robbia's ceramics, this museum offers a deeply rewarding experience in a refined historical setting. It's also ideal for those seeking to understand how Arezzo's artistic identity evolved over the centuries.

Nearby Attractions to Bruni Ciocchi Palace

Arezzo Cathedral – A majestic Gothic structure featuring frescoes by Piero della Francesca.
Basilica of San Francesco – Home to the famous fresco cycle The Legend of the True Cross.
Church of San Domenico – Known for Cimabue's wooden Crucifix and serene Romanesque design.
Piazza Grande – The city's iconic square, surrounded by medieval arcades and Renaissance palaces.
Casa Vasari – The painter's beautifully preserved home, showcasing his own frescoes and designs.

The National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arezzo!

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