Palazzo Tursi

About the museum

Palazzo Tursi was built from 1565 by Domenico and Giovanni Ponsello for Niccolò Grimaldi, known as “il Monarca”, a banker to Philip II of Spain. It is the most majestic building in Via Garibaldi, the only one built on three plots, with two large gardens. When Philip II suspended payments in 1575, Grimaldi was ruined and the decorative works stopped, so the palace does not have large fresco cycles.

In 1820 the House of Savoy bought the palace from Maria Giovanna Doria, fifth Duchess of Tursi: a “Piedmontese phase” began, with the completion of the rear section, the clock tower and the renewal of the interiors. The façade alternates pink stone from Finale, grey-black slate and white Carrara marble; the vestibule, the staircase and the courtyard create a striking play of perspectives.

After the 2003–2004 works, the whole noble floor is open to the public and integrated into the Musei di Strada Nuova: five rooms complete the Palazzo Bianco picture gallery with 18th-century paintings, including Alessandro Magnasco's “Trattenimento in un giardino di Albaro” and the Maddalena by Antonio Canova. Visitors can also see the monumental spaces and rooms with the weights and measures of the former Republic of Genoa, coins and medals, ceramics and tapestries.

The Sale Paganiniane (Paganini rooms) hold the violin of Nicolò Paganini, which the musician bequeathed to his native city, along with other memorabilia of the violinist.

Highlights

• Paganini's violin and the Sale Paganiniane
• Maddalena by Antonio Canova
• Trattenimento in un giardino di Albaro by Alessandro Magnasco
• Coins and medals, ceramics and tapestries
• Weights and measures of the ancient Republic of Genoa
• Noble floor and monumental spaces

Permanent exhibition

• Piano nobile di Palazzo Tursi – 18th-century rooms, the Paganini rooms, coins, ceramics and tapestries from the civic collections.

Operated by

Comune di Genova

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free for residents of the Metropolitan City of Genoa every Sunday and in the last time slot of the day; free for over-65s throughout August.

The ticket (full €14, reduced €9) is a combined ticket valid for Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Tursi and the Museo di Sant'Agostino. Also free for journalists, tour guides, ICOM members and teachers with school cards. The price may vary for special events or temporary exhibitions.

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

For the accessibility of the Musei di Strada Nuova, see the museum entry and the services of Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso.

Kids & families

The Educational Services periodically offer activities for families.

Getting there & parking

Via Garibaldi is in the historic centre of Genoa.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The bookshop with the ticket office is in the Musei di Strada Nuova building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit