Museo Bodoniano

About the museum

The Museo Bodoniano is regarded as the oldest printing museum in Italy. It opened on 17 November 1963, on the 150th anniversary of the death of Giambattista Bodoni, and was founded to display the typographic and foundry tools of the great printer, his editions and other mementos of his work. It also promotes research in the graphic arts and typography.

Bodoni, born in Saluzzo in 1740 and died in Parma on 30 November 1813, directed the Stamperia Ducale of Parma from 1768 and a private printing press from 1791; after his death the work was continued by his widow, Margherita Dall’Aglio. The museum is on the ground floor of the Biblioteca Palatina, in the Palazzo della Pilotta, and since 30 November 2022 has been linked to the Library’s separate entrance.

The route presents the tools for printing and casting type, and the editions and relics of Bodoni’s workshop. The sections include a bronze bust of Bodoni (a 1963 copy by Carlo Corvi), “I capolavori di Bodoni” (Bodoni’s masterpieces), an interactive table, a printing press and “La fabbrica del libro” (The Book Factory), devoted to the stages of making a book. Since 2013 the museum has had a scientific director; it has been a member of the AEPM since 2004 and of the AIMS since 2005.

Highlights

• Punches, matrices and foundry tools of Giambattista Bodoni
• Editions and “masterpieces” by Bodoni
• Printing press
• “La fabbrica del libro” section
• Interactive table
• Bronze bust of Bodoni by Carlo Corvi

Permanent exhibition

• Museo Bodoniano – percorso permanente – Printing and foundry tools, editions and relics of Giambattista Bodoni, with sections on the typographer’s masterpieces and on making a book.

Founded

1963

Operated by

Complesso monumentale della Pilotta (Ministero della Cultura)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month (Museum Sunday), 25 April, 2 June and 4 November; free admission for women on 8 March.

A single ticket covers the Galleria Nazionale, the Teatro Farnese, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the Biblioteca Palatina (excluding the service area) and the Museo Bodoniano. Buy at the ticket office or online; reduced or free tickets require a document proving entitlement.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

Access to the museums of the complex is provided by ramps, lifts and stairlifts, with the help of staff. Information: cm-pil.info@cultura.gov.it.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From the railway station the complex can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes, along Viale Toschi or Via Verdi. The museum is on the ground floor of the Biblioteca Palatina.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Backpacks and large bags can be left free of charge in the lockers at the ticket office.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit