Musei Civici agli Eremitani

About the museum

The Eremitani complex brings together Padua's two main civic collections. The archaeological nucleus goes back to the stone collection of the sixteenth-century intellectual Alessandro Maggi da Bassano; in the nineteenth century the abbot Giuseppe Furlanetto had it placed in the loggias of the Palazzo della Ragione, where in 1825 the first stone section was inaugurated, the oldest public archaeological collection in the city. Through donations and excavations in the city and its territory it has been enriched with Egyptian materials, Etruscan and Greek ceramics and a collection of gems.

The Pinacoteca civica was founded in 1857 with paintings from the suppressed religious orders, in particular from the convent of San Giovanni di Verdara, closed in 1783. Bequests and purchases have expanded it; the most important, in 1864, is the Emo Capodilista collection, with over 540 paintings.

In the 1980s the collections were transferred to the former Eremitani convent, next to the Scrovegni Chapel, in a display by Franco Albini, who also oversaw the recovery of the smaller cloister, damaged by the bombing of the Second World War. The archaeological route occupies the ground floor with 19 rooms, from the ancient Veneti to Roman Padua; the art section presents Venetian painting and sculpture from the 14th to the 18th century in chronological order, with works by Giotto, Guariento, Veronese, Tintoretto, Piazzetta and Tiepolo. The applied arts are at Palazzo Zuckermann.

Highlights

• Archaeological section with the ancient Veneti and Roman Padua
• Egyptian collection, with the statues of Sekhmet donated by Giovanni Battista Belzoni
• Crucifix and Padre Eterno by Giotto
• Pinacoteca with works by Guariento, Veronese, Tintoretto, Piazzetta and Tiepolo
• Display by Franco Albini in the cloister and rooms of the former convent

Permanent exhibitions

• Museo Archeologico – Nineteen rooms on the ground floor tell the story of Padua from its Veneti origins, between the 8th and 1st centuries BC, to the Roman age, with the Egyptian collection, Greek and Etruscan ceramics and gems.
• Museo d'Arte Medievale e Moderna – Chronological route through Venetian painting and sculpture from the 14th to the 18th century, with works by Giotto, Guariento, Veronese, Tintoretto, Piazzetta and Tiepolo.

Founded

1857

Operated by

Comune di Padova – Settore Cultura e Turismo

Admission & discounts

The “solo musei” (museums only) ticket includes the Museo Eremitani (Archaeological and Medieval and Modern Art) and the Museo Bottacin at Palazzo Zuckermann. Free admission also for teachers accompanying school groups, accredited journalists, tourist guides on duty or for study, and holders of the ICOM card. Educational rates are €2 for schools and €3 for general educational activities.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The website does not describe the physical accessibility of the spaces; it is advisable to contact the museum before the visit. Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The educational services offer activities for children and families. With the Family Card (€30) two adults and two children under 17 can enter; the educational rate for families (two parents and two minor children) is €10.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at Piazza Eremitani 8, next to the Scrovegni Chapel, in the former Eremitani convent. Tickets for the Chapel are also sold here.

Amenities & dining

Entry with luggage is not permitted in the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Chiostro Albini and the Sala del Romanino can be booked for events.

Plan your visit