Wolfsoniana

About the museum

The Wolfsoniana grew out of the collection of the American patron Mitchell Wolfson Jr., an avid collector of art objects and material culture between the late 19th and the mid-20th century. The collection is divided between the United States, where the Wolfsonian in Miami Beach is part of Florida International University, and Italy, where the Genoese part was acquired and is run by Palazzo Ducale Fondazione per la Cultura.

The museum is located in the Parks of Nervi, in Genoa, and is part of the network of the Musei di Nervi together with the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, the Raccolte Frugone and the Museo Giannettino Luxoro. It works closely with the Centro Studi della Wolfsoniana, which is based at Palazzo Ducale.

The holdings include paintings, sculptures, complete furniture and furnishings, glass, ceramics, wrought iron, silverware, textiles, architectural drawings, posters, sketches, books, magazines and documents, largely Italian but with evidence of foreign experiences as well. The collector's interest concerns not only the aesthetic value of the objects, but also the historical and social meanings of the era they convey.

The exhibition route follows a chronological and thematic order: it begins with the taste for the exotic that spread in the 19th century and moves through the main currents of the first fifty years of the 20th century, from Liberty to Déco, from Novecento to Rationalism, with reconstructed interiors. One area is reserved for temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• Decorative and propaganda arts from 1880 to 1945
• Reconstructed interiors and complete furnishings, such as Antonio Rubino's children's bedroom
• Alberto Fabbi's pyramid bed for Palazzo Gonzaga
• Posters, graphics and advertising materials of the early 20th century
• Route from Liberty to Déco, from Novecento to Rationalism

Operated by

Palazzo Ducale Fondazione per la Cultura

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission for visitors over 65 throughout August.

The combined ticket for the Musei di Nervi (Raccolte Frugone, GAM, Villa Luxoro, Wolfsoniana) costs €9 from Tuesday to Thursday (reduced rate) and €14 from Friday to Sunday (standard rate). Free admission also for journalists, tourist guides, ICOM members, teachers and other categories listed on the website of the Musei di Genova. The ticket can be bought online. Genova Museum Card: 24 hours €24, 48 hours €45, annual €60.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 route is spread over two fully accessible floors, linked by a lift with an audible signal. A wheelchair suitable for the lift is available (to be requested from staff); accessible toilets are on the first floor. Reserved parking on Via Capolungo, with a 5 cm step and no protected route; another car park at Nervi station (130 spaces, about 650 m away). No dedicated aids for visual and hearing impairments are available.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Regular activities for families and participation in the national days F@MU and KidPass; the cooperative Solidarietà e Lavoro offers playful activities on the main holidays. Information and bookings: biglietteriawolfsoniana@comune.genova.it, tel. +39 010 557 5595.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Parks of Nervi; other stops: Via Capolungo and Via Oberdan/Nervi centro.

Amenities & dining

“Dogs & Museum” dog-sitting service, with a discount for holders of a ticket to a participating civic museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit