Museo Civico Archeologico

The Museo Civico Archeologico is a very interesting to place to go. Its very location is interesting. You will find the museum in the heart of the city, within the Palazzo Galvani. This same building used to be known as the ancient "Ospedale della Morte" or death hospital. The building was built in the 15th century but was continually being modified. In 1881 it officially opened as a museum accessible to the general public.

It is said that we cannot truly know ourselves until we know our past. Bologna’s history is very rich and diverse. The archeological museum reflects the many discoveries about Bologna’s ancestors and their lives. It contains the collection from the universities and the findings from archeological digs in and around Bologna.

Among the treasures of the Museo Civico Archeologico is the collection of Pelagio Palagi. Born in 1775, Filippo Pelagio Palagi was an architect, painter, and furniture designer. He was also an avid collector with a passionate love for antiques. Of particular interest to him were the Roman, Greek, Etruscan and Egyptian antiques. His study of these antiques inspired his own designs. The Etruscan vases, bronzes, marble sculptures are now in the museum as well as the gold, silver and glass objects he collected during his years of living in Rome, Milan and Turin.

For those who wish to see Egyptian mummies or sarcophagi, the Archeological museum is the place to be. The crown pieces of this collection are bas-reliefs from Horemheb’s tomb, said to be the last pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. He is also considered to be the father of the 19th dynasty since he chose the man who became the Pharaoh Rameses I.

Other items of interest may be found in various wings of the museum. There is a gallery of casts, which displays copies of famous Roman and Greek sculptures. There are some exceptional burial items from Verucchio (Rimini) in the form of wood furnishings decorated with scenes from everyday life and ceremonial parades.

The Museo Civico Archeologico is also trying to be innovative and keep history of interest to everyone. They collaborate with the other museums in Bologna to come up with tours and shows that everyone will enjoy. They hold conferences and conventions on such topics as great ancient civilizations focusing on the emperors and famous sovereign figures in history.

There is a series called “Through the Museums of Bologna” where four of the museums try to create links between the artifacts housed in each one. This helps create a more complete picture of Bologna’s past. The series focused primarily on Bologna in the 1800’s, the last decades in which many major changes were made to the city.

If there are any parents touring Bologna with their kids check if they have the special parents and kids tour available. They take the kids first on a guided tour. Then the parents go around the museum. After their trip, they are each asked some challenge questions to verify what they learned on the trip. It’s a great way to have a little competitive fun and learn at the same time.

Address: Via dell' Archiginnasio 2, Bologna, Italy
Phone Number: 051 23 64 88
Cost of Entry: €4
Opening Hours: 9.00am-6.30pm Tue-Sat, 10.00am-6.30pm Sun