Palazzo Blu

About the museum

The palazzo stands on the southern Lungarno, a few steps from the Ponte di Mezzo, on a site already occupied in the 11th century; a stone tower-house was built slightly later. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Sismondi, the Buonconte and Giovanni dell'Agnello, the first and only doge of Pisa, who had his residence built here in the mid-14th century. It then passed to the Sancasciano and Del Testa families, to whom the late 16th-century structure is due, and in the 18th century it was altered mainly inside; the characteristic exterior colour dates from the second half of that century.

The last major intervention was carried out by Count Domenico Giuli, who after Italian unification added a wing to make the façade symmetrical. Inhabited by the Conti Giuli Rosselmini Gualandi until the 1970s, it was bought in 2001 by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Pisa, now Fondazione Pisa, which restored it and opened it to the public in 2008.

The permanent collection, which brings together works linked to Pisa and its territory, includes paintings from the 14th to the 18th century on the second floor, among them works by Nino Pisano, Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, Orazio Riminaldi and Benozzo Gozzoli. The first floor recreates a 19th-century noble residence furnished with the Simoneschi collection, while in the basement Le Fondamenta displays archaeological finds that emerged during the restoration. The palazzo also hosts large temporary exhibitions and an auditorium.

Highlights

• Art collection of the Fondazione Pisa from the 14th to the 18th century
• Works by Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi
• Room dedicated to Artemisia Gentileschi
• 19th-century noble residence with the Simoneschi collection
• Le Fondamenta, archaeological and medieval section in the basement
• Blue façade on the Lungarno

Permanent exhibition

• Esposizione permanente – Art collection of the Fondazione Pisa from the 14th to the 18th century, 19th-century residence with the Simoneschi collection and the archaeological section Le Fondamenta.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Fondazione Pisa

Visitors per year

approx. 145,071

Admission & discounts

The ticket also gives access to the dossier exhibitions, the thematic exhibitions and the Artemisia Gentileschi room; the large temporary exhibitions have their own ticket. Free admission for one accompanying person per group and two per school class, for journalists registered with the professional order, and for ICOM members.

Accessibility

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

The website mentions lifts only for the auditorium; no details on accessibility are published for the exhibition rooms. Guide dogs and assistance animals are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Visits and workshops for adults and children; family ticket at €9 for two parents and children under 18.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Cloakroom in the entrance hall; left luggage is compulsory for medium and large bags, backpacks and umbrellas. The bookshop BLU | Book offers catalogues, art books, children's books and gift items.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Modern auditorium on the first floor, with a foyer also suitable for coffee breaks and aperitifs.

Plan your visit