Opificio delle Acque
Educational and documentation centre in the former hydraulic workshop on the Canale di Reno: tells Bologna’s relationship with water through maps, models and interactive tools.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Opificio delle Acque occupies a building on the Canale di Reno, near the Grada, the point where the waters entered the city. A first concession for a “casa matta” with a stone vault over the canal is documented as early as 1580, still visible on viale Vicini. The present building dates from 1681–83 and was built as a leather tannery.
During the 19th century the building was used as a mill for grain and rice, harnessing water power. From 1899 to 1926 a small hydroelectric plant operated here, supplying power to the Istituto ortopedico Rizzoli. Today the building also regulates the flow of the Canale di Reno to protect the city from floods.
After the restoration carried out between 2018 and 2020, the site is managed by Canali di Bologna, created from the merger of three historic consortia, and has become a centre dedicated to the hydraulic and architectural history of the city. It offers guided tours, educational routes for schools, training for teachers, and events and exhibitions on Bologna’s relationship with water in the past, present and future.
Highlights
- 17th-century building on the Canale di Reno, formerly a tannery, mill and hydroelectric plant
- Maps, panels, models and interactive tools on Bologna’s canal network
- Model of the leather mill
- Guided tours and educational routes for schools
- Close to the Grada, where the Reno enters the city
- Founded
- 2020
- Operated by
- Canali di Bologna
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3people over 65, under-18s, school groups, groups with a tour guide (6–15 people), holders of the Card Cultura and Bologna Welcome Card |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 6 · Free admission up to age 6; reduced ticket for ages 7–17. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and a companion. |
| Groups (6+ people) | €3 per personGroups with a tour guide of 6 to 15 people. |
| Ticket with guided tour (groups of 6 to 25 people) | €8Tours of about one hour led by in-house staff; booking at least 4 days in advance by e-mail to prenotazioni@canalidibologna.it. |
| Ticket with guided tour for schools | €5 |
Free admission also for two accompanying adults per school group, licensed tour guides and journalists with a press card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
The site refers to a dedicated page on accessibility for motor disabilities; the centre is on the ground floor, while the underground room can only be reached by stairs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Interdisciplinary educational routes for schools; free admission up to age 6.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group guided tours are led by in-house staff using maps, panels, models and interactive tools; interdisciplinary programmes for schools and training for teachers are planned. |
