Museo degli organi Santa Cecilia
Museum of antique organs, harpsichords and fortepianos in the former church of San Pietro all’Orto, dating from 1197, unique of its kind in Italy.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Fondazione Museo Santa Cecilia was established in 2002 on the initiative of Lorenzo Ronzoni, who made his collection of musical instruments available: a substantial group of antique organs from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, together with harpsichords and fortepianos. The foundation, a non-profit body of the third sector, aims to make keyboard instruments known and to enhance their value. The museum presents itself as the only one in Italy dedicated to the excellence reached by the Italian organ-building tradition.
The seat is the former church of San Pietro all’Orto, dating from 1197, the first church of Massa Marittima: here on 31 July 1225 the people bought their freedom from the bishop, establishing a free commune (Libero Comune). Restorations have brought to light medieval single- and double-light windows, fragments of the rose window of the facade and fragments of frescoes attributed by the heritage authority (Soprintendenza) of Siena to Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The roof truss was rebuilt in the 19th century.
Among the instruments on display are a rare portative organ of 1686, positive organs from 18th-century Emilia and central Italy, and examples of Neapolitan work from 1742 and Sicilian work from 1771. The collection also documents the technical and stylistic development of the piano. Musicians may practise on original instruments during opening hours, and an adjoining workshop allows visitors to follow the restoration of some organs.
Highlights
- Portative organ of 1686
- Positive organs from 18th-century Emilia and central Italy
- Organs of Neapolitan (1742) and Sicilian (1771) work
- Harpsichords and fortepianos
- Restoration workshop attached to the museum
- Former medieval church of San Pietro all’Orto (1197)
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione di organi, clavicembali e fortepiani – Antique organs from the 17th to the 19th century, harpsichords and fortepianos, with documentation of the development of the piano.
- Founded
- 2002
- Operated by
- Fondazione Museo Santa Cecilia
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Visitors over 65 |
| Seniors | €4Senior ticket for people over 65. |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Musicians can practise on original instruments during opening hours. The workshop attached to the museum, where ongoing restorations are followed, is suitable for school visits of all levels. |
