Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

About the museum

The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi stands in Nichelino, about 10 kilometres from Turin, and is one of the most prestigious Savoy residences in Piedmont. Construction began in 1729 to a design by Filippo Juvarra, one of the greatest architects of the 18th century, as a starting and finishing point for the hunts of the House of Savoy and as a venue for festivities. Building and enlargement continued throughout the century under the direction of Benedetto Alfieri and other architects.

The heart of the building is the large oval central hall, with an inverted-boat-shaped dome, surmounted on the outside by the stag, symbol of Stupinigi, and with illusionistic frescoes on the theme of the hunt painted between 1731 and 1733 by the brothers Domenico and Giuseppe Valeriani. From here four wings in the shape of St Andrew’s cross branch out, with the apartments of the king and queen and the rooms for guests: 137 rooms and 17 galleries in all, decorated in the Rococo style with lacquer, gilded stucco and precious furnishings.

The Palazzina has hosted weddings and stays of sovereigns and illustrious figures, including Napoleon, Pauline Bonaparte and Queen Margherita. In the 19th century it also became the seat of a zoological garden of exotic animals. From 1919 part of the rooms has housed the Museo dell’Arredamento, and since 1997 the complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is run by the Fondazione Ordine Mauriziano.

Highlights

• Oval central hall with frescoes by the Valeriani brothers
• Apartments of the king and queen in the Rococo style
• Bronze stag on the dome, symbol of Stupinigi
• Museo dell’Arredamento
• Historic garden
• 360° immersive experience with four historical episodes (1731, 1778, 1805, 1909)

Permanent exhibition

• Appartamenti e Museo dell'Arredamento – Museum route through the central hall, the king’s and queen’s apartments and the original furnishings, with works such as those by the cabinetmaker Bonzanigo.

Operated by

Fondazione Ordine Mauriziano

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for residents of Nichelino on the day of their birthday, and for holders of the Piemonte Card, Abbonamento Musei, ICOM and Royal Pass. Online, the advance-sale fee adds a 15% surcharge. Holders of the Abbonamento Musei and the Torino + Piemonte Card must collect their ticket at the ticket office.

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

Please notify in advance of visits by people with disabilities. Access for people with mobility disabilities is through the automatic gate on the left side (facing the church), with access to the internal car park (porter’s lodge 011 6200635); staff support the route. The external route has a gravel surface. The wheelchair lift has doors 0.75 m wide, a cabin 1.18 m long and a capacity of 250 kg. A guide in augmentative and alternative communication (CAA) is available for people with intellectual disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car from Turin, follow Corso Unione Sovietica to Viale Torino; from the southern ring road take the Stupinigi exit. By taxi, the Foundation has agreements with Pronto Taxi (011 5737) and Radio Taxi Torino (011 5730): with the taxi receipt, the ticket is reduced.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

The museum provides instructions for accessing the Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit