Villa Brandi

About the museum

Villa Brandi stands at Vignano, in the countryside on the edge of Siena. It is a residence of 16th-century origin that has belonged to the family of Cesare Brandi since the mid-18th century. The art historian used it as a place of retreat and as a meeting place with artists and intellectuals.

Brandi also played an important role in the history of the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena, for which he drew up the first catalogue and designed the original display. On his death in 1988 he left the villa and its collections to the State, which now manages it through the Musei Nazionali di Siena.

The interiors preserve furnishings, furniture and works from the 16th to the 18th century, alongside paintings and modern sculptures given to Brandi by the artists close to him, including De Pisis, Morandi, Manzù, Guttuso, Mastroianni, Scialoja and Burri. The bequest also includes a library, an archive of manuscripts, typescripts and correspondence with men of letters and art historians, and an extensive photographic collection documenting Brandi’s studies and the life of the family from the last decades of the 19th century.

Visits take place in small groups and only by reservation, in time slots of about one hour.

Highlights

• House museum of art historian Cesare Brandi
• Furnishings and works from the 16th to the 18th century
• Paintings and sculptures by De Pisis, Morandi, Manzù, Guttuso, Burri and other artists who were friends of Brandi
• Library, archive and photographic collection of the Brandi bequest
• Visits in small groups in the Sienese countryside

Operated by

Musei Nazionali di Siena (Ministero della Cultura)

Visitors per year

approx. 619

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month (free museum Sunday): free admission, with mandatory reservation.

The ticket is bought online even when admission is free. Payment is by card terminal (POS) only. Reductions and free admission follow the rules applicable to state museums.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

The site is partly accessible to people with disabilities. For information on the spaces that can be visited, write to mn-si.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

Address: Località Vignano, Strada di Busseto 42, Siena. The villa is in the countryside north of Siena.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit