Museo Civico Polironiano
Major ethnographic museum of the Po Plain in the former Benedictine monastery of San Benedetto in Polirone, with more than 13,000 objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1977 and is housed in the former Benedictine monastery of San Benedetto in Polirone, in San Benedetto Po. It is one of Italy’s leading ethnographic museums and holds more than 13,000 objects documenting life in the Po Plain, between the Prealps and the Tosco-Emilian Apennines.
The current display was opened on 2 October 2009 on the upper floors of the former monastery. Sections 1 to 15 are devoted to material culture and rural society; sections 16 to 24 deal with magic, popular religiosity, local legends and the art of the area.
In the basement of the former refectory is a historical-archaeological collection of terracottas, stone objects and monastic ceramics from excavations, while in the cellars of the former infirmary is a collection of ancient farm carts from the Reggio Emilia and Modena area. Visitors can hire a tablet free of charge for a digital route, and the museum offers educational activities and workshops.
Highlights
- More than 13,000 objects of Po Valley peasant culture
- Displays in the rooms of the former Polirone monastery
- Sections on magic, popular religiosity and legends
- Ancient farm carts from the Reggio Emilia and Modena area
- Ceramics and finds from excavations in the former refectory
Permanent exhibition
- Percorso etnografico – Twenty-four sections on material culture, rural society, popular religiosity and the legends of the Po Plain, on the upper floors of the former monastery.
- Founded
- 1977
- Operated by
- Comune di San Benedetto Po
- Visitors per year
- approx. 15,645
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Groups of at least 10 people, under 18s, over 65s, schools, university students, Touring Club members, holders of the Amici dei Borghi card and visitors to Sabbioneta with a full-price ticket |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free under 6; reduced rate for under 18s; nursery school pupils €2. |
| Seniors | €4Over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and a companion; students with disabilities €2.50. |
| Students & apprentices | €4University students. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personReduced rate for groups of at least 10 people. |
| Families | –One child up to 17 admitted free for every paying adult. |
| Full ticket for the monastic complex (cloisters, museum, refectory, cellars) | €10Reduced rate €9. |
| Campanile di San Floriano (San Floriano bell tower) | €2.50Can be visited on request on Sunday afternoons. |
| Educational route with workshop (by reservation) | €6 |
| Guided tour of all the monastery buildings | €8€4 for ages 7 to 13, free up to age 6; in addition to the entrance ticket. |
Free admission with the Mantova SuperCard Cultura; residents of San Benedetto Po pay €2.50 with identity card. Free for group leaders, accompanying teachers and pupils of the schools of San Benedetto Po.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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 monastic complex and the museum are declared accessible to wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility or hearing; for visually impaired people, accessibility is partial. Reserved parking spaces and accessible toilets are available. A visual schedule is available for pupils with autism.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
One child up to 17 enters free with each adult; educational routes with workshops.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop and ticket office at the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free tablet for hire for a digital route; an audio guide is available on the tourist portal. Educational activities with workshops for schools can be booked on +39 0376 623 096 (Tuesday 14:30–17:30, Thursday 8:00–13:00) or at didatticasbp@chartacoop.it. |
