The Archaeological Museum of Bologna contains many important collections of artifacts that date back thousands of years. Follow the history of humankind in Bologna from the very beginning and examine ancient remnants from other cultures, including Egypt and Greece.
Located just off the 13th-century Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s most prominent square, the Archaeological Museum presents a monumental façade. Enter the museum to see broad arches, grand columns and a sweeping stairway. View over 200,000 items from the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
Begin with an in-depth history of humankind in Bologna, covering 800,000 years. In the 19th century, urban excavations of Bologna commenced and the museum was chosen to receive the excavation finds. These pieces date from the prehistoric era through to relics from the many different civilizations that have settled in this area, most notably Etruscan, Gallic and Roman.
The Egyptian collection, comprised of thousands of items, is of high importance in Europe. Discover reliefs from a tomb and intricately crafted statues and other objects as well as ancient scripts. Admire the ceramics, jewelry and fine handicrafts of the Greek Collection. For more treasures, head to the Pelagio Palagi collection, which displays numerous artworks from this famous Bolognese artist.
Beyond these collections, the museum has additional exhibits. Pick up an audio guide, available in English or Italian. The site also has a bookshop and cloakroom. The museum is open during business hours every day except Monday. Admission is free for those under the age of 19. Come on the first Sunday of each month when free admission to the permanent collections is available for all visitors.
Be sure to see the San Petronio Basilica next door. Admire its striking appearance and massive size. Wander inside and discover its beautiful interior.
A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Bologna is an absolute must if you’re fascinated by history or simply curious about the past of this illustrious city.
