Palazzo Ducale

About the museum

Gubbio came under the rule of the Montefeltro in 1384, and the family chose as its residence some houses opposite the cathedral, in the highest part of the city. Federico da Montefeltro, born in the nearby castle of Petroia in 1422, promoted the rebuilding of the palace in Renaissance forms, entrusting the design to Francesco di Giorgio Martini, who perhaps reworked an initial idea by Luciano Laurana. The works took place over about a decade, between 1474, the year in which Federico became duke, and 1482, the year of his death.

The palace is the only example of Renaissance architecture in a predominantly medieval city, and it is distinguished by the refinement of the capitals and of the door and fireplace frames, decorated with Federico's emblems. The celebrated studiolo, similar to the one in Urbino, was lined with wooden inlays by Giuliano da Maiano. These panels were sold in 1874 and, through the antiques market, reached the Metropolitan Museum of New York in 1939; in 2009 a replica was placed in the palace.

In the rooms, which still preserve some original furnishings, a collection of paintings illustrates Gubbio painting between the 13th and 18th centuries. On the ground floor you can enter the excavated area beneath the courtyard, with remains of medieval structures and of the Fonte dell'Arengo, the first public fountain of Gubbio. On the upper floors a section presents the works awarded at the Biennale d'Arte Contemporanea di Gubbio, with works by Leoncillo, Pomodoro and Castellani.

Highlights

• Replica of Federico da Montefeltro's studiolo
• Renaissance courtyard by Francesco di Giorgio Martini
• Gubbio painting from the 13th to the 18th century
• Remains of the Fonte dell'Arengo and medieval structures under the courtyard
• Contemporary art section with works by Leoncillo, Pomodoro and Castellani

Permanent exhibitions

• Studiolo di Federico da Montefeltro (replica) – 2009 replica of the studiolo with wooden inlays, accompanied by a virtual tour and a sound dome on the musical instruments depicted.
• Pittura eugubina dal XIII al XVIII secolo – Collection of paintings displayed in the rooms and upper loggias, tracing the main phases of local painting.
• Opere della Biennale d'Arte Contemporanea di Gubbio – Upper-floor section with works awarded at the Biennale, including works by Leoncillo, Pomodoro and Castellani.

Operated by

Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Umbria (Ministero della Cultura)

Visitors per year

approx. 39,235

Admission & discounts

The other reductions provided for by the admission rules of state cultural sites apply. Tickets can only be paid electronically (cards and digital payments), as the ticket machines are automatic and do not accept cash.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Café, cloakroom and Wi-Fi are among the services listed on the Ministry of Culture portal entry.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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