Museo archeologico e d'arte della Maremma

About the museum

Grosseto had its first museum in 1860, when Canon Giovanni Chelli founded a library in which he began collecting ancient objects; in 1865 the library and collections were donated to the Comune. After various moves and the damage caused by the bombing of 1943 and the flood of 1944, the civic museum reopened in 1955. In 1975 the current site was inaugurated in the former courthouse on Piazza Baccarini, built in the late 19th century; a major renovation, completed in 1999, renewed the spaces and removed architectural barriers.

The archaeological route is organised into two main sections. Rooms 2–12 are devoted to Roselle, an Etruscan and later Roman city, from its origins to its abandonment; rooms 13–23 present the archaeology of the Maremma, from prehistory to the Roman period, with grave goods from Vetulonia, Marsiliana and Poggio Buco, underwater finds and the wreck of Giglio Porto.

Since 1975 the same palazzo has also housed the museum of sacred art of the Diocese of Grosseto, founded in 1933 on the initiative of Monsignor Antonio Cappelli. Rooms 24–35 display works from the 13th to the 19th century, mainly from the cathedral and the churches of the diocese, including Sienese panels, sculptures, goldsmiths' work, liturgical vestments and illuminated choirbooks.

Highlights

• Roselle section with the portrait statue of Giulia Livilla
• Etruscan grave goods from Vetulonia, Marsiliana and Poggio Buco
• Reconstruction of the Roman wreck of Giglio Porto
• Underwater finds from the Archaic period
• Diocesan museum of sacred art with Sienese panels and illuminated choirbooks
• Tactile reproductions for blind and partially sighted visitors

Permanent exhibitions

• Roselle – Rooms 2–12 devoted to the Etruscan and Roman city of Roselle, from its first settlement to its abandonment, with statues, grave goods and inscriptions.
• Archeologia della Maremma e Antiquarium – Rooms 13–23 with finds from prehistory to the Roman period, grave goods from Vetulonia and Marsiliana, underwater finds and the wreck of Giglio Porto.
• Museo d'arte sacra della diocesi di Grosseto – Rooms 24–35 with sacred works from the 13th to the 19th century, goldsmiths' work, liturgical vestments and illuminated choirbooks from the cathedral and the diocese.

Founded

1860

Operated by

Comune di Grosseto

Director

Luca Giannini

Visitors per year

approx. 15,359

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for children under 6, accompanying teachers of school groups, clergy, tour guides, journalists and ICOM members. Reduced to €1 for organised school groups and other cases provided for. Agreements with ACI and FAI. The museum takes part in the Maremmaround Card together with the Natural History Museum and the Maremma Park.

Accessibility

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

According to the museum, access is guaranteed to people with disabilities in all rooms. In rooms 25 and 26 of the museum of sacred art, four tactile reproductions form a route for blind and partially sighted people. Reception staff accompany visitors who wish it.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The educational service, active since 2010, offers interactive workshops and themed tours for schools and families, from prehistory to the Middle Ages, as well as educational campuses and treasure hunts.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the historic centre of Grosseto, on Piazza Baccarini.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

The ticket office and cloakroom are in the first room; a small bookshop sells the museum guide, catalogues and books about the area. The palazzo also has a library.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit