Museo civico di Cuneo

About the museum

The museum grew out of collections assembled from the early decades of the 20th century on the initiative of Euclide Milano, with contributions from private individuals and civil and religious authorities. Originally housed in Palazzo Audiffredi, in via Cacciatori delle Alpi, the collections were moved and re-displayed around 1980 in the former convent of San Francesco, where the museum is still located today.

The monumental complex includes the 15th-century church, now deconsecrated, and the adjoining convent, which is listed as a national monument and is a rare example of medieval architecture in the city. The Franciscans probably settled there as early as the 13th century; during the Napoleonic period the buildings were turned into barracks and the furnishings were dispersed. Since 1980 the entire complex has been used for cultural activities.

The route follows a chronological order, from prehistory to the modern age: prehistoric finds; the Roman section with the discoveries from the excavations along the Asti–Cuneo motorway; the rich Lombard grave goods from the necropolis of Sant'Albano Stura; the section of sacred art; and the section on popular arts and traditions. The museum has a specialist library and photographic and cartographic archives, which can be consulted by appointment.

Highlights

• Remains of the cave bear and Neolithic finds from the Aisone rock shelters in the Sala Livio Mano
• Roman finds from the excavations along the Asti–Cuneo motorway
• Lombard grave goods from the necropolis of Sant'Albano Stura
• Altarpiece of the Presentation in the Temple by Defendente Ferrari
• Ethnographic section with valley costumes, votive offerings and the Lenci doll collection
• 15th-century church of San Francesco with painted cycles and cloister

Permanent exhibitions

• Collezioni civiche: dalla preistoria all'età moderna – Chronological route with prehistoric, Roman and Lombard finds, works of sacred art, and the section on popular arts and traditions of the Cuneo area.
• Chiesa di San Francesco – Former 15th-century Franciscan church, now deconsecrated, with painted cycles, tombs and chapels, visitable together with the museum.

Operated by

Comune di Cuneo

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for police and armed forces, accompanying teachers, holders of the Tessera Abbonamento Musei Torino Piemonte, and for babies born in Cuneo in their first year of life when accompanied by two adults (Passaporto Culturale project). Reductions require a valid document. Payment in cash, by debit card or by credit card; cheques are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

The museum offers aids for visitors with visual and intellectual disabilities: explanations in Braille, tactile maps, 3D reproductions of finds, cards in AAC language and a downloadable social story. The material can be consulted free of charge at reception.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The museum takes part in the project “Nati con la cultura” and offers educational workshops for schools. On the first floor there is a breastfeeding point with a baby-changing table, a bottle warmer and an armchair, along with a relaxation area for families with children aged 0 to 6.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop in the entrance hall with the museum's publications, catalogues and gadgets.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit