Museo Africano
Ethnographic museum in Verona founded on the collections of the Comboni missionaries, with masks, musical instruments and everyday objects from sub-Saharan Africa.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo Africano in Verona arose from the idea of Bishop Francesco Sogaro to preserve and display the objects that the Comboni missionaries sent from Africa. The first pieces were placed in a room of the institute’s Mother House; in 1938 the museum was officially established as a showcase of the Comboni missionary work on the continent.
From the early seventies the institution opened to the public and also became an educational tool. Thanks to the nearby Biblioteca di Nigrizia, with about 20,000 volumes, it established itself as a centre for ethno-anthropological study, frequented by students and researchers. The display was renewed several times: in 1996 it focused on intercultural dialogue with multimedia installations, exhibitions and workshops, and in 2006 the visit was organised around the stages of human life.
The last major redisplay dates from summer 2014 and links the ethnographic collection with video and multimedia language. Today the rooms are divided into sections by colour and present the cycle of life, everyday art, masks, music and religions, leading to the space dedicated to Saint Daniele Comboni and the Fondazione Nigrizia.
Highlights
- Section of ritual masks, grouped by function
- Funerary sculptures and objects of power such as sceptres and thrones
- African musical instruments displayed in showcases
- Tukul, a meeting space inspired by the communal houses of villages
- Everyday art objects: combs, headrests, containers and ornaments
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione permanente – Colour-coded route on the cycle of life, everyday art, masks, music and religions of sub-Saharan Africa, with a space dedicated to the Comboni missionaries.
- Founded
- 1938
- Operated by
- Missionari Comboniani
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3teachers, university students, religious, over 70s, members of the Touring Club Italiano, companions of persons with disabilities and holders of the VeronaCard |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 6 · Special reduced rate of €2 for children and young people aged 7 to 18; free up to 6 years. |
| Seniors | €3Reduced rate for over 70s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for persons with disabilities; companions pay the reduced ticket. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Reduced rate for university students. |
| Groups (16+ people) | €10 per personGuided visit of about 1 hour 30 minutes for adult groups of 16 to 30 people: €10 per person. |
| Guided visit for adult groups of up to 15 people (about 1 hour 30 minutes) | €150Rate for the whole group; book at info@museoafricano.org or on +39 045 809 2199 |
Prices may vary for temporary exhibitions.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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 museum indicates access for persons with disabilities; for specific needs it is best to contact the staff.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The museum offers educational workshops for nursery, primary and secondary schools and, at times, activities for families linked to the exhibitions; the programme can be found in the Didattica section.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Piazza Isolo
All lines stop at Piazza Isolo: the 73 from Verona Porta Nuova station, the 31 from Piazzale Stefani (Ospedale Borgo Trento), the 32 and 33 from Castelvecchio; line 91 runs only on public holidays.
By car
Parking available
Large car park inside the museum grounds, while spaces last.
By car from Milan, take the A4 exit Verona sud; from Venice, take the exit Verona est, then follow the signs for the city centre and for the Museo Africano / Missionari Comboniani. Tourist coaches can drop off and collect passengers in Via Interrato dell’Acqua Morta.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Soko fair-trade shop. The same complex houses a library, a media library and a photo library; there is a private park.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for adult groups by reservation. For schools of all levels the museum offers more than thirty workshops combined with the visit; requests to didattica@museoafricano.org. |
