
Pinacoteca Civica di Savona
Renaissance paintings, icons & ceramics in the historic 16th-century Palazzo Gavotti, blending local art with international contemporary masters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds for a peaceful visit

Pinacoteca Civica di Savona
Best Time
Fewer crowds for a peaceful visit

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Renaissance paintings, icons & ceramics in the historic 16th-century Palazzo Gavotti, blending local art with international contemporary masters.
"A well-curated cultural experience in the historic heart of Savona, worth a visit."

Check Hours Before You Go
Visitor reviews mention that opening hours can be 'absurd' and recommend checking them in advance. :calendar:
Allocate About an Hour
Most visitors find an hour is sufficient to explore the collections and appreciate the art. :stopwatch:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Donato de' Bardi's Crucifixion
Dedicated Room
A masterpiece of Renaissance painting, offering an intimate and contemplative experience.

15th-16th Century Art
Civic Collections
Imposing polyptychs showcasing Savona's artistic flourishing under papal patronage.

Milena Milani Contemporary Art Museum
Second Floor
A surprising collection of international contemporary art, including works by Picasso and Fontana.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating the Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Hours Before You Go
Visitor reviews mention that opening hours can be 'absurd' and recommend checking them in advance. :calendar:
Allocate About an Hour
Most visitors find an hour is sufficient to explore the collections and appreciate the art. :stopwatch:
Engage with Detailed Captions
The 15th-16th century art section features detailed captions that enhance the viewing experience. :memo:
Explore the Contemporary Collection
Don't miss the Milena Milani Contemporary Art Museum for a dose of international modern masters. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Hours Before You Go
Visitor reviews mention that opening hours can be 'absurd' and recommend checking them in advance. :calendar:
Allocate About an Hour
Most visitors find an hour is sufficient to explore the collections and appreciate the art. :stopwatch:
Engage with Detailed Captions
The 15th-16th century art section features detailed captions that enhance the viewing experience. :memo:
Explore the Contemporary Collection
Don't miss the Milena Milani Contemporary Art Museum for a dose of international modern masters. :art:
Look for Special Events
The Pinacoteca Civica hosts various events, exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year. :bell:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Pinacoteca Civica for its thoughtful and intense artistic experience, highlighting the elegant rooms that showcase a dialogue between historical and contemporary works. The collection is considered a rare fusion of local Renaissance art and Northern European influences, with a particularly interesting 15th-16th century section and a top-notch contemporary selection. However, some find the opening hours to be inconvenient.
"The art gallery offers a thoughtful and intense experience.
Elegant rooms showcase historical and contemporary works in dialogue.
Donato de' Bardi's Crucifixion is presented in a dedicated room, for an intimate and contemplative experience.
The art gallery is worth a visit to discover a rare example
of the fusion of local Renaissance art and Northern European influences.
To admire the top-notch contemporary selection offered by the Milani-Cardazzo collection.
To enjoy a well-curated cultural experience in the historic heart of Savona,"
Massimo Barberis Caviglia
"The section on 15th-16th century art is very interesting, with detailed captions that allow you to go beyond simply viewing the work."
Uulriqus
"The museum comprises the Savona Civic Art Gallery and the works of the "Milena Milani Contemporary Art Museum Foundation in Memory of Carlo Cardazzo." The building also once housed the Ceramics Museum, which is now located elsewhere.
The Art Gallery takes visitors on a journey from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Among the jewels of the civic collections are the Crucifixion by Donato de' Bardi, a masterpiece of Renaissance painting, and the imposing polyptychs that document the city's artistic flourishing between the 15th and 16th centuries, thanks to the patronage of two Savona popes, Sixtus IV and Julius II della Rovere.
The works collected by Savona writer Milena Milani and gallery owner Carlo Cardazzo close the exhibition: a selection of the most important moments in international contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Mirò, De Chirico, and Fontana, among others.
The route is quite long and, personally, I recommend staying for about an hour."
Michela di Pinto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pinacoteca Civica is located in Palazzo Gavotti, in the historic heart of Savona. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. If arriving by car, look for parking options in the city center.
Parking is available in the city center of Savona. It's advisable to check for paid parking lots or street parking regulations upon arrival.
Yes, the Pinacoteca Civica is within walking distance from the Savona train station, making it convenient for day-trippers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and some visitors have noted they can be 'absurd.' It's highly recommended to check the official website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission fees can vary, especially if there are special exhibitions. Check the official website for current ticket prices. Some events, like the 'Lilac Savona' inauguration, have offered free entry.
For general admission, booking in advance might not be necessary, but for special events or exhibitions, it's often recommended or required.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the museum's official website. It's best to inquire directly or check their online resources.
While specific accessibility details are not widely publicized, Palazzo Gavotti is a historic building. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about accessibility for visitors with mobility issues.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The collection spans from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century, featuring Renaissance paintings, icons, ceramics, and contemporary art from the Milena Milani Foundation.
Most visitors find that about an hour is sufficient for a comprehensive visit, allowing time to appreciate the diverse collections.
The museum sometimes offers guided tours or has detailed captions to enhance the visitor experience, particularly for the historical art sections.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask museum staff if photography is permitted, especially without flash, to protect the artworks.
This foundation, housed within the Pinacoteca, showcases significant works of international contemporary art, including pieces by Picasso, Miró, De Chirico, and Fontana.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities directly within the Pinacoteca Civica itself. However, the surrounding historic center of Savona offers numerous cafes and restaurants.
The area around Palazzo Gavotti is rich with dining options, from casual trattorias to more formal restaurants, offering local Ligurian cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The elegant rooms themselves, the architectural details of Palazzo Gavotti, and the artworks themselves offer great photographic opportunities.
Flash photography is generally not permitted in art museums to protect the delicate artworks from light damage. Always check for specific signage.
Yes, the exterior of Palazzo Gavotti is a beautiful historic building and can be photographed freely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for any family-oriented events or workshops the museum might host, as these can make the visit more interactive and educational for younger visitors. The museum has participated in summer camps that explore art through painting, light, movement, and ceramics, suggesting a willingness to engage children creatively.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
The Milena Milani Contemporary Art Museum Foundation is a major draw, housing works by global art icons. The detailed captions in the historical sections also cater to those who appreciate in-depth information about the art and its context.
🏛️ History Buffs
The setting within the 16th-century Palazzo Gavotti also adds a layer of historical immersion, allowing visitors to experience art within its original architectural context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Art History
Beyond its historical collections, the museum is enriched by the Milena Milani Contemporary Art Museum Foundation. This section presents a curated selection of international contemporary art, featuring renowned artists like Picasso, Miró, De Chirico, and Fontana. This juxtaposition of historical and modern art creates a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors, allowing for a dialogue between different artistic periods and styles.
Visitors often praise the thoughtful curation, noting how the elegant rooms and detailed captions enhance the understanding and appreciation of the artworks. The experience is described as both intense and contemplative, making it a valuable stop for art enthusiasts.
Palazzo Gavotti: A Historic Setting
Exploring the museum involves moving through its various rooms, which are designed to showcase the art in a way that fosters contemplation and appreciation. The layout guides visitors through different periods and styles, creating a narrative flow that enhances the overall experience.
This historic venue has also been a site for various cultural events and exhibitions, demonstrating its role as a vibrant cultural hub in Savona. From art festivals to educational programs, Palazzo Gavotti continues to be a significant space for community engagement with the arts.






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