Museo diocesano San Sebastiano

About the museum

The Museo Diocesano San Sebastiano, inaugurated in 2012, is located in the historic centre of Cuneo, in Contrada Mondovì, a pedestrian zone with arcades and shops. The complex stands on the site of a chapel dedicated to Saint James, with an attached hospital, already documented in the 13th century. The church of San Sebastiano, built at the end of the 15th century, was rebuilt in modern forms from 1595 and is the only example of Baroque architecture of that period remaining in the city.

After the Second World War, as the historic centre was depopulated, the building fell into disuse. From 2000 a project was begun to restore the whole complex and to plan it as the seat of the diocesan museum. The building work, lasting almost a decade, was completed in 2011 with the recovery of roofs, vaults, systems, frescoes and artistic heritage. The museum is run by the Fondazione Opere Diocesane Cuneesi (Cuneo Diocesan Works Foundation).

The display is almost entirely devoted to the works in the complex and follows the devotions of the ancient Confraternity: from its original dedication to Saint James and the cult of relics, to the merger with the Confraternity of San Sebastiano, protector against the plague, through the Baroque period with the cult of the Madonna del Carmine, to the renewal of the 19th century. The route includes, among other spaces, the powder magazine (polveriera), the rooms of San Giacomo and San Sebastiano, the Chapel of Relics and the room of the Madonna del Carmine. In the church can be seen the altarpiece by Giovanni Antonio Molineri (1626) and the vault decorated in 1743 by Alessandro Trono.

Highlights

• Baroque church of San Sebastiano with altarpiece by Giovanni Antonio Molineri (1626)
• Presbytery vault frescoed by Alessandro Trono (1743)
• Chapel of Relics
• Route on the devotions of the ancient Confraternity
• Lift connecting the five levels of the display

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso espositivo permanente – Five-level route on the devotions of the ancient Confraternity of San Sebastiano, with the church, the powder magazine and the Chapel of Relics.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Fondazione Opere Diocesane Cuneesi

Visitors per year

approx. 7,000

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for holders of the Abbonamento Musei, AMEI members, European Union tour guides and interpreters, accompanying teachers, journalists registered on the professional roll, volunteers of the association “Volontari per l'arte” and families with the “Passaporto culturale” (cultural passport). Online ticketing available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

A lift connects the five levels of the route and about 90% of the visit is accessible; only the organ gallery and the pulpit cannot be reached. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor, next to the sacristy. The website also describes routes and materials for deaf, blind and partially sighted people and people with intellectual disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The route suits children of all ages and is almost entirely accessible with pushchairs thanks to the lift. There is a changing table in the ground-floor toilet, a family area on the first level with a table for drawing, books and games, children's kits and workshops. The visit lasts from 30 minutes to an hour and a half.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in Contrada Mondovì, in the historic centre, in a pedestrian zone.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Cloakroom next to the ticket office.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit