Museo diocesano di Cortona

About the museum

The Museo diocesano di Cortona, founded in 1945, is housed in the former church of the Gesù in Piazza del Duomo, in the historic centre of the town. It collects objects and works of art from the churches of the diocesan territory.

The route begins with a Roman sarcophagus of the 2nd century AD depicting the battle between Dionysus and the Amazons, found in the cathedral in the 15th century and the only ancient find in the collection. There follow paintings by great masters: Pietro Lorenzetti, Sassetta, Bartolomeo della Gatta and Luca Signorelli, a native of Cortona, of whom the museum holds nine panels, two of them signed.

Among the masterpieces stands out the Annunciation by Beato Angelico, an early Renaissance altarpiece that preserves its original predella. The collection is completed by goldsmith’s work and sacred vestments, such as the Vagnucci reliquary and the Passerini vestments, while in the lower church there are frescoes by Il Doceno of 1554–1555 to a design by Vasari.

Highlights

• Annunciation by Beato Angelico with the original predella
• Nine panels by Luca Signorelli, two of them signed
• Works by Pietro Lorenzetti, Sassetta and Bartolomeo della Gatta
• Roman sarcophagus of the 2nd century with Dionysus and the Amazons
• Goldsmith’s work, Vagnucci reliquary and Passerini vestments
• Frescoes by Il Doceno to a design by Vasari in the lower church

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione permanente del Museo diocesano – Works and objects from the churches of the diocese, from the Roman sarcophagus to the paintings of Beato Angelico and Signorelli.

Founded

1945

Visitors per year

approx. 17,721

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the audio guide. Free admission also for licensed tour guides and for residents of the Comune di Cortona.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

People with disabilities who are accompanied can enter, but only the ground floor is accessible.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Piazza del Duomo, in the historic centre of Cortona, reachable on foot.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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