Museo Diocesano di Genova

About the museum

The Museo Diocesano di Genova was established by decree of Archbishop Giovanni Canestri on 14 September 1993, in implementation of a 1992 agreement between the Archdiocese and the Comune di Genova: the cloister of the Canons of San Lorenzo, municipal property, was granted free of charge on loan to the diocese to house the museum.

The complex was built in the second half of the 12th century as the residence of the cathedral canons, next to an existing bishop's palace, in an area already inhabited in Roman times. The first major works date from the mid-16th century, on the initiative of the canon Bartolomeo Perino; the cloister preserves frescoed ceilings and a cycle of the months from the early 13th century.

The rooms display archaeological finds, important sculptural groups, silverware, ancient textiles, gold-ground paintings such as the Polyptych of San Bartolomeo by Barnaba da Modena (14th century), and altarpieces by Perin del Vaga, Luca Cambiaso, Domenico Fiasella and Gregorio De Ferrari. Standing out are the funerary monument of Cardinal Luca Fieschi and the 16th-century Teli blu della Passione, considered forerunners of denim.

Highlights

• Funerary monument of Cardinal Luca Fieschi (around 1336–1343)
• Teli blu della Passione, 16th-century textiles
• Polyptych of San Bartolomeo by Barnaba da Modena
• Last Supper by Luca Cambiaso
• Canons' cloister with frescoed cycle of the months
• Wooden sculptures by Anton Maria Maragliano

Founded

1993

Operated by

Arcidiocesi di Genova

Visitors per year

approx. 10,132

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the permanent collection, the cloister and temporary exhibitions; booking is always recommended. Free admission also for accompanying teachers (maximum 4 per class), tourist guides and interpreters, journalists, members of ICOM and AMEI, priests, religious and seminarians. The museum is part of the Musei di Genova and is included in the Genova Museum Card (24 hours, 48 hours, annual) and in the City Pass.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The route is almost fully accessible to people with mobility impairments thanks to the lift and assisted routes; the rooms with the Teli della Passione are not accessible because of steps.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Thanks to the Lilliput project, the museum offers a baby area with a nursing armchair, changing table and bottle warmer, baby carriers available on loan, step stools to see the display cases, and a visit kit for each child with a route in search of the three lions. Expectant mothers and mothers with children have priority at the entrance, and there is a parking area for pushchairs. Every year it offers events dedicated to families.

Getting there & parking

From the A10, A7 or A12 motorways, take the Genova Ovest exit and follow the signs for Centro/Acquario to the car parks of the Porto Antico; from the east, follow Centro/Palazzo Ducale to the Piazza Dante car park. The street is reached from Piazza Matteotti or Piazza San Lorenzo.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a bookshop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The site offers private events in the museum (“Il tuo evento al Museo”).

Plan your visit