A Visit to Modena’s Palazzo dei Musei
for a day of art and culture
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Galleria Estense Estense Gallery is among the most important art collections in Italy. It is evidence that the Este Dynasty was not solely interested in painting and sculpture, but also collected archeological pieces and traditional arts and crafts. Bernini’s marble bust of Francis I d’Este, a Velázquez portrait of Francis I, Cosmè Tura’s “Saint Anthony of Padua”, Correggio’s “Madonna and Christ Child”, a triptych by El Greco, and a crucifix by Guido Reni are particularly noteworthy. The collection focuses prominently on painting in the Po valley area between the 1300s and the 1700s.
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Gipsoteca Graziosi (Giuseppe Graziosi Plaster Cast Museum) The Giuseppe Graziosi Fund is made up of the plaster cast museum, opened in 1984 following the acquisition of a considerable collection of moulded, painted and graphic works by the artist, donated by his children Paolo Graziosi and Rosetta Graziosi Vespignani.
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Museo Lapidario Estense (Estense Lapidary Museum) Established upon the wish of Duke Francis IV d’Este in 1828, the Lapidary Museum was the first national museum for public use in Italy. It remains one of the most important in the region for the quality of the exhibits. These include marble sarcophagi from Ravenna from around the second and third centuries, and sundry reliefs and carved slabs from a similar era. The permanent exhibition is set under the portico of the internal courtyard of the Palazzo dei Musei.