Reggia di Venaria Reale

About the museum

La Venaria Reale was born in the mid-17th century, when Duke Charles Emmanuel II of Savoy decided to add a new jewel to the “corona di delizie” (crown of delights), the system of residences surrounding Turin. The project, entrusted to the court architect Amedeo di Castellamonte, includes the palace, service buildings such as the stables and the citronnière (orangery), the park, the hunting woods and an entire village, with Italian-style gardens, fountains and terraces on several levels.

From 1699 Michelangelo Garove transformed and enlarged the complex to the ambitions of Victor Amadeus II, and the gardens were redesigned in the French style. In the 18th century the Reggia became the palace of the kings of Sardinia, with the contribution of Filippo Juvarra. After the Napoleonic occupation, however, it went through a long phase of decline, marked by military use and abandonment.

Only at the end of the 20th century, thanks to an imposing restoration and the collaboration of institutions and the local area, did the complex come back to life. Today the Reggia, the Gardens and the Castello della Mandria form a major cultural hub, managed by the Consorzio delle Residenze Reali Sabaude, with historic rooms, a garden route, temporary exhibitions and educational activities.

Highlights

• Monumental rooms of the palace
• Gardens with the Gran Parterre Juvarriano and the Gran Canale
• Potager Royal, the palace’s great kitchen garden
• Fantacasino in the Boschetto dei giochi
• Castello della Mandria in the Parco della Mandria
• Caffetteria degli Argenti in the former Chinese rooms, with a terrace over the Gran Parterre

Permanent exhibitions

• La Reggia – Route through the monumental rooms of the Savoy Baroque complex, among apartments, galleries and representative spaces.
• I Giardini – Gardens combining Baroque parterres, the Gran Canale, the Potager Royal and contemporary gardens with sculptures.

Operated by

Consorzio delle Residenze Reali Sabaude

Admission & discounts

The regular price indicated is that of the Reggia and Giardini ticket. Free admission also with the Abbonamento Musei Torino Piemonte, the Torino+Piemonte Card, the Royal Pass and the Passaporto Culturale (first year of the child’s life, with two accompanying adults), and for ICOM and ICOMOS members. The garden train “La Freccia di Diana” (tour of the lower park) is bought only on site. The agreements cannot be combined.

Accessibility

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

The Reggia and the exhibition spaces (Scuderie Juvarriane and Sale delle Arti) are free of architectural barriers and accessible independently by wheelchair and pushchair. In the Gardens the Gran Parterre Juvarriano and the Giardino delle Sculture Fluide are accessible, with electric vehicles available to the public with mobility difficulties. Wheelchairs are available at the reception point (availability to be checked on site; information and bookings 011 4992333). A tactile route for blind or visually impaired people, visits for deaf people and a welcome project for intellectual disability are planned. Dogs may enter the Gardens on a lead; small dogs, carried in a carrier, may also enter the Reggia and the exhibitions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Recognised as a family and kids friendly museum (Nati con la Cultura project). An explorer’s map for children, the Boschetto dei giochi with the Fantacasino, workshops on the occasion of exhibitions and events, a Sala Famiglie e Allattamento (UNICEF Baby Pit Stop) near the bookshop, and the little train in the Gardens.

Getting there & parking

The Reggia is about 10 km from Turin. On days of heavy attendance it is advisable to use the shuttle, the SFM train, or to park near the stadium and take the railway from Venaria Reale – Rigola Stadio station.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Caffetteria degli Argenti in the former Chinese rooms, restaurant Dolce Stil Novo (Michelin star), the Patio dei Giardini in summer, bookshop and bicycle hire.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit