Museo di Antichità

About the museum

The collections of the Museo di Antichità arose from the purchase campaigns promoted by Emanuele Filiberto and Charles Emmanuel I between the 16th and 17th centuries to gather ancient sculptures and reliefs. In 1723, demolitions in the centre of Turin brought to light remains of the ancient Augusta Taurinorum, which were added to the Savoy nucleus.

In the 19th century the collections were enriched through archaeological research and the activity of diplomats and international chancelleries; in the 20th and 21st centuries the main source of new finds has been research in the area, together with donations and acquisitions. The museum, described as the oldest museum of antiquities in Europe, is part of the Musei Reali di Torino complex.

The route includes the Galleria Archeologica with the historic collections; the section Archeologia a Torino (Archaeology in Turin), in the basement of the Manica Nuova next to the ruins of the Roman theatre; and, since 1998, the Padiglione del Territorio piemontese (Pavilion of the Piedmont Territory), in an underground space between the Manica Nuova and the Serre di Palazzo Reale, with evidence from prehistory to the Late Middle Ages.

Highlights

• Galleria Archeologica with the historic collections
• Archeologia a Torino section next to the Roman theatre ruins
• Padiglione del Territorio piemontese, from prehistory to the Late Middle Ages
• Remains of the ancient Augusta Taurinorum
• Visit included in the Musei Reali combined ticket

Permanent exhibition

• Collezioni archeologiche – Galleria Archeologica, the Archeologia a Torino section next to the Roman theatre, and the Padiglione del Territorio piemontese with finds from prehistory to the Late Middle Ages.

Founded

1940

Operated by

Musei Reali di Torino (Ministero della Cultura)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of the month, 25 April, 2 June and 4 November, without booking

The Musei Reali ticket is a single ticket, valid for one day, which also gives access to Palazzo Reale and the Galleria Sabauda; buying online avoids queues. Free admission also for holders of the Abbonamento Musei, the Torino + Piemonte Card, the Royal Pass and ICOM members, and for teaching staff with documentation. Free tickets are not booked online but collected at the ticket office on the day of the visit.

Accessibility

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

The museum is reached from the Giardini Reali by lifts down to the first basement floor, where the collections are; the route is free of barriers for wheelchair users and includes an accessible toilet. A wheelchair can be borrowed at the ticket office. No animals are allowed in the exhibition rooms, except guide dogs.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Along the route, in the Archeologia a Torino section (level -1), there is a baby pit stop for breastfeeding and changing babies.

Getting there & parking

The city centre is a ZTL (limited traffic zone) with time restrictions. Main entrance of the Musei Reali in Piazzetta Reale 1, secondary entrance in Piazza San Giovanni 2; the museum can also be reached from the Giardini Reali.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum Shop on the first floor of the Manica Nuova (10:00–18:30); Caffetteria Storica open Tuesday to Sunday, also accessible without a ticket; cloakroom for small and medium-sized luggage.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit