Museo Diocesano «Benedetto Antelami»

About the museum

The Museo Diocesano di Parma stands beside the cathedral and the Baptistery, and is dedicated to Benedetto Antelami, the sculptor and architect of the Baptistery. The route, arranged chronologically, illustrates the spread of Christianity in Parma from Roman times to the Middle Ages, through finds from excavations that have helped reconstruct the origins of the cathedral between Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

The rooms contain information panels, graphic reconstructions, casts of inscriptions and archaeological material such as an early Christian oil lamp, a sarcophagus with bas-reliefs, ceramics, coins and mosaics. The museum also holds figurative and documentary works and sacred goldsmith's work.

Among the best-known pieces are the original “Angiolen dal Dom”, the gilded copper angel with a large cross that once surmounted the cathedral's bell tower (a copy now stands there), the statues of the archangels Michael and Gabriel by Antelami, which adorned the north entrance of the Baptistery, and the statues of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, which still retain traces of colour. Also noteworthy is a 6th-century mosaic of hexagons, with a central medallion showing a vase, fish and dolphins. At the entrance a tactile route allows blind and partially sighted visitors to touch some of the works.

Highlights

• Original “Angiolen dal Dom”, the angel from the Duomo's bell tower
• Statues of the archangels Michael and Gabriel by Benedetto Antelami
• Statues of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba with traces of colour
• 6th-century mosaic with a central medallion
• Tactile route at the entrance for blind and partially sighted visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso sulle origini cristiane di Parma – Archaeological finds, sculptures by Benedetto Antelami and works from the cathedral, documenting the spread of Christianity in Parma from Roman times to the Middle Ages.

Operated by

Fabbriceria della Cattedrale di Parma

Admission & discounts

The combined Museo Diocesano and Baptistery ticket is valid for 2 days. The Cathedral is free for individual visitors; groups with their own guide (more than 5 people) pay €2 per person, by reservation. On 13 January (Sant'Ilario) €8 (family €16). Free admission also for licensed tourist guides.

Accessibility

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

The museum is listed as accessible to people with mobility impairments. At the entrance a tactile route allows visitors to touch some works (a baptismal font, part of the Baptistery frieze, a 2nd-century oil lamp and a 3rd-century funerary stele); tactile information sheets are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The municipality's tourist information lists the museum as suitable for families with children; a family ticket is available.

Getting there & parking

The museum entrance is at Vicolo del Vescovado 3/a, next to Piazza Duomo, where the office of the Fabbriceria (cathedral works office, Piazza Duomo 7) is also located.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit