Palazzo Reale di Genova

About the museum

The palace was built in the 17th century for Stefano Balbi, and in 1679 it passed to Eugenio Durazzo, a wealthy senator and patron of the arts, who had it extended to its present size. With a façade of almost one hundred metres, it became the largest aristocratic residence in Genoa. The architect Carlo Fontana designed its two great staircases, the monumental terrace, the court of honour and the hanging garden, while the Teatro del Falcone was built as a separate building.

In the first half of the 18th century Gerolamo Ignazio Durazzo commissioned Domenico Parodi to decorate the Galleria degli Specchi (Gallery of Mirrors), still today the most prestigious room in the palace. In 1824 the last Durazzo sold the residence, with its statues, furnishings and picture gallery, to Charles Felix of Savoy: after the Congress of Vienna Genoa belonged to the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the palace became a royal residence. The Savoys adapted it to the needs of the court, creating among other things the Throne Room, the Audience Hall and the ballroom, and Charles Albert had the apartment of the heir to the throne arranged there.

In 1919 Victor Emmanuel III donated the building to the Italian state, and in the following years the second noble floor was turned into a museum. In 2006 the palace, together with the Le Strade Nuove and the Palazzi dei Rolli system, was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, as a state museum with special autonomy, it is part of the Musei Nazionali di Genova together with Palazzo Spinola, and it holds, among other things, paintings by Guercino, Van Dyck and Valerio Castello, tapestries, furnishings and the Savoy state rooms.

Highlights

• Galleria degli Specchi decorated by Domenico Parodi
• Savoy Throne Room and Audience Hall
• Sala del Veronese and salons dedicated to Time and Peace
• Paintings by Guercino, Van Dyck and Valerio Castello
• Apartment of the heir to the throne and hanging garden

Founded

1655

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura – Musei Nazionali di Genova

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of the month (no booking possible).

The single ticket for the Musei Nazionali di Genova (Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Spinola) costs €12 full price and €2 reduced; it can also be bought online at no extra charge, can be used within one year of issue, and on different days. Free admission also for researchers of the European University Institute, holders of the annual card of the Musei Nazionali di Genova and of the “Gaslini va al museo” pass. During the Rolli Days the single ticket is not valid and a special ticket is required. The Musei Nazionali di Genova take part in the Genova Museum Card and the Genova City Pass.

Accessibility

• 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

The whole museum route can be travelled in a wheelchair; the standard lift has doors 75 cm wide. The visit route is not air-conditioned. Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Spinola offer videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS), viewable on a smartphone via QR code. On booking, the Educational Services offer guided routes for people with special needs, including for blind visitors. Information and bookings: Servizio Accoglienza Inclusione Accessibilità, pal-ge.mng.inclusivita@cultura.gov.it.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The Educational Services organise activities for families, including on the occasion of Kid Pass, for example readings and workshops for children from the age of 5. Videos called “Real Kids” on the museum's YouTube channel can be used as audio guides in the rooms. During family events admission is free for under-18s and costs €6 for accompanying adults (maximum 2 per child).

Getting there & parking

From Genova Piazza Principe station the museum is about 5 minutes on foot (about 300 metres); from Genova Brignole take the metro to Darsena or Principe.

Amenities & dining

Food and drink may not be consumed on the museum route.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit