If you want to get to know Turin, you cannot miss the Royal Museums of Turin, a treasure hidden in the heart of the ancient city. It is in fact a historical-artistic itinerary that offers the opportunity to take a journey through the centuries, with testimonies ranging from prehistoric to modern times. Imagine immersing yourself in opulent surroundings, surrounded by extraordinary works of art and surrounded by the beauty of royal gardens. That’s it, a visit to the Royal Museums of Turin means taking a plunge into art. It is a unique experience that captivates everyone.
Are you ready to discover the Royal Museums of Turin? Here’s what you absolutely must see!
What to see at the Royal Museums of Turin: a journey through history and art at the heart of the city
THE ROYAL PALACE OF TURIN
The Royal Palace, command centre of the Savoy family, stands imposingly and holds artistic treasures dating from the 16th to the 20th century. Every detail, from the façade to the gate designed by Pelagio Palagi, to the sumptuous interiors designed and decorated by great artists such as Daniel Seiter, Claudio Beaumont, Francesco De Mura, and renowned architects such as Filippo Juvarra and Benedetto Alfieri, tells a story of grandeur and refinement.
Through the Medagliere Hall, visitors can access the Royal Armoury, an extraordinary collection of arms and armour spanning centuries of history, from archaeological times to the 19th century. A grand staircase connects the Armoury to the Royal Library, founded by Charles Albert in 1831, who expanded his collection with volumes purchased from antique dealers from all over Europe. The library boasts a valuable collection of drawings, ranging from the 15th to the 19th century and including works by great masters such as Michelangelo, Perugino and Rembrandt. However, one of the most famous treasures is the Leonardo da Vinci nucleus, which includes the Self-Portrait and the famous Codex on the Flight of Birds.
THE SHROUD CHAPEL
After extensive restoration work, the Royal Museums’ itinerary also includes the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, an admirable Baroque architecture designed by Guarino Guarini in the second half of the 17th century. This artistic and spiritual jewel has been restored to its former glory, offering visitors an extraordinary experience within a setting rich in history and devotion.
THE SABAUDA GALLERY
The Savoy family’s passion for collecting art can be seen in the Galleria Sabauda, which houses great masterpieces from the major European schools. From van Eyck to Rubens and van Dyck, from Mantegna to Paolo Veronese and Orazio Gentileschi, up to Guido Reni, this gallery is a chronological journey through centuries of great artistry. Located in the Manica Nuova of the Royal Palace, the Gallery also houses other important collections, including the collection of Flemish and Dutch paintings from the collections of Prince Eugene of Savoy-Soissons and the collection of Riccardo Gualino, which features paintings by Duccio, Botticelli and Francesco Guardi. In addition, the recent donation by Giuseppe and Gabriella Ferrero has further enriched the collection with 132 Lenci artistic ceramics in dialogue with contemporary paintings and sculptures.
THE MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES
The Museum of Antiquities, founded in 1724 as the Museum of the Royal University and later renamed the Museum of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Antiquities in 1832, overlooks the archaeological area of the Roman Theatre, which has recently been brought to light. This collection, which began as a Savoy dynastic collection in the 16th century, was enriched by the arrival of Bernardino Drovetti’s Egyptian collection. Today, the Museum of Antiquities houses archaeological finds from excavations in the Piedmont region, including the famous Treasure of Marengo. On the ground floor of the Manica Nuova of the Royal Palace, the Archaeological Gallery presents important collections of the ancient Mediterranean, collected by the Savoys from the 16th century onwards.
THE ROYAL GARDENS
The Royal Gardens, the connecting point for the entire museum complex, were created by Duparc and later extended during the 17th century by André le Nôtre. Completed in the following century with the statuary group of the Tritons, the work of Simone Martinez, the Royal Gardens offer an oasis of tranquillity and beauty, inviting visitors to stroll among marvellous landscapes and outdoor works of art.
CHIABLESE SALT
An integral part of the Royal Museums are the Sale Chiablese, located on the ground floor of the palace of the same name on Piazzetta Reale. These spaces are used to host temporary exhibitions, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to immerse themselves in exhibitions of great relevance and to discover new artistic perspectives.
INFORMATION TO SEE THE ROYAL MUSEUMS OF TURIN
The Royal Museums of Turin are an unmissable destination for art and exhibition lovers. This extraordinary complex offers a unique experience where history, beauty and culture come together in an unforgettable journey. Plan your visit and be captivated by the grandeur of the works of art, the historical treasures and the enchanting atmosphere of the Royal Museums of Turin.