Museo diocesano tridentino

About the museum

The Museo Diocesano Tridentino was founded in 1903 to protect the artistic heritage of the diocese and to serve as a teaching tool for the school of art and Christian archaeology of the theological seminary. At first it was housed in the minor seminary; during the First World War the building was requisitioned as a military hospital and the collections were divided and kept in the cathedral sacristy and in other storerooms. In 1963, for the fourth centenary of the Council of Trent, the museum found its permanent seat in the Palazzo Pretorio, next to the cathedral of San Vigilio.

The palazzo had been the residence of the prince-bishops of Trento since the early Middle Ages: around 1255 Egnone di Appiano moved the residence to the Buonconsiglio and the building partly fell into disuse; in 1676 Sigismondo Alfonso Thun had it restored, and in the 1950s the façade was returned to its Romanesque form. In the 1990s a major restoration and a new layout brought the museum up to current standards, and in 1995 the new seat was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II.

The collections include the Flemish tapestries with the Passion cycle, purchased in Antwerp in 1531 by the prince-bishop Bernardo Cles, the treasure of the Cathedral with liturgical objects from the 12th century, illuminated codices, wooden sculpture, ancient textiles, the Liechtenstein commissions and art in Trentino from the 15th to the 20th century, as well as works connected with the Council of Trent. The museum also includes the early Christian Basilica of San Vigilio and the Torre di Piazza.

Highlights

• Flemish tapestries with the Passion cycle
• Treasure of the Cathedral
• Illuminated codices
• The Council of Trent
• Wooden sculpture and art in Trentino from the 15th to the 20th century
• Early Christian Basilica of San Vigilio included in the ticket

Founded

1903

Operated by

Arcidiocesi di Trento

Visitors per year

approx. 57,088

Admission & discounts

The full ticket includes access to the early Christian Basilica of San Vigilio. Free admission with the Trentino Guest Card and Museum Pass, for members of ICOM and AMEI, journalists, tourist guides and accompanying teachers. The Museum Pass (€22) is valid for museums and sites in Trento and Rovereto, with unlimited local public transport for 48 hours. There is no free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

Accessibility

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

The museum is accessible to persons with motor disabilities, except the sculpture rooms and the Palatine Chapel on the second floor of the south wing. There is a lift between the floors and a mobile platform (122 × 80 cm, load 250 kg). The main entrance is accessible (doors open outwards; for special needs tel. +39 0461 234419); accessible toilets on the ground floor near the ticket office. Six audio guides with videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) and International Sign are usable on your own device via QR code.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Family workshops at weekends, the free brochure “Dal mio punto di vista” for a treasure hunt in the Palazzo Pretorio, and an explorer kit for the Basilica of San Vigilio (compass, map and torch, for the age groups 4–6, 7–9 and 10+). Pushchairs admitted in the rooms; changing table on the ground floor near the ticket office.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Large bags must be left at the cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit