Pinacoteca Nazionale
Home to Siena's most significant collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings, especially gold-ground masterpieces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Pinacoteca Nazionale
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to Siena's most significant collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings, especially gold-ground masterpieces.
"A true gem for art lovers, offering an impressive collection in a peaceful setting."
⏳ Go during off-peak hours
Visit on weekdays or in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience with fewer people.
🖼️ Focus on Sienese Masters
Prioritize works by Duccio and Simone Martini for a deep dive into this influential art school.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sienese Gold-Ground Masterpieces
Main exhibition halls
Witness the largest collection of Sienese gold-ground paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries. Truly breathtaking.
Works by Duccio and Simone Martini
Key galleries
Admire iconic pieces by Sienese masters Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini, showcasing their distinct styles.
Renaissance Art Collection
Later period galleries
Explore a significant collection of Renaissance paintings, featuring artists like Pinturicchio and Sodoma.
Panoramic City View
Designated viewing room
Enjoy an astonishing, panoramic view of Siena from a special room within the gallery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Focus on Sienese Masters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Go during off-peak hours
Visit on weekdays or in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience with fewer people.
🖼️ Focus on Sienese Masters
Prioritize works by Duccio and Simone Martini for a deep dive into this influential art school.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the calm atmosphere
The museum's peaceful ambiance is perfect for appreciating the art at your own pace.
📸 Don't miss the city view
Seek out the room offering an astonishing panoramic view of Siena.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Go during off-peak hours
Visit on weekdays or in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience with fewer people.
🖼️ Focus on Sienese Masters
Prioritize works by Duccio and Simone Martini for a deep dive into this influential art school.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the calm atmosphere
The museum's peaceful ambiance is perfect for appreciating the art at your own pace.
📸 Don't miss the city view
Seek out the room offering an astonishing panoramic view of Siena.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pinacoteca Nazionale for its exceptional collection of Sienese masterpieces, particularly the gold-ground paintings and works by Duccio and Simone Martini. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning city views are also frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note lighting issues or a prevalence of religious themes, the overall consensus is that it's a must-visit for art lovers.
"Amazing collection of Sienese painting - very friendly and helpful staff - calm and peaceful - even on a holiday weekend"
dominic blower
"That’s a great museum, it’s definitely worth visiting! Too many biblical stories to my taste, but it’s just the way the Middle Ages were 😄. There were very few people so the atmosphere was just right to take our time to fully enjoy the collection. There is also a room with the view on the city and that view is astonishing!"
Alex Van
"Both the praise and criticism in other reviews are right: this museum has an excellent collection of renaissance paintings, but the lighting of the items on display is not always great. Personally I find the strong points of this place much more important than its weak points - besides, most items do not suffer from bad lighting."
Lee R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pinacoteca Nazionale is located in the historic center of Siena, easily accessible on foot from Piazza del Campo. If arriving by car, park in one of the city's designated parking lots outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk or take a local bus.
No, there are multiple Pinacoteca Nazionales in Italy. The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena is renowned for its Sienese masterpieces, while the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna houses works from the Emilian school. 
Siena is best reached by train from Florence or Rome, with connections often requiring a change in Empoli. Alternatively, direct bus services are available from major Italian cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours typically vary by season and day. Generally, it's open from Tuesday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Mondays and longer hours on weekends. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Admission fees are generally affordable. Prices can range from €2 to €6, with potential discounts for students, seniors, and free entry with certain city passes like the Bologna Welcome Card or Card Cultura.
While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to check the official Pinacoteca Nazionale website or a reputable ticketing platform for online purchase options to save time, especially during peak season.
The museum is typically closed on Mondays. It's always best to verify the official schedule, especially around public holidays.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The absolute highlights are the extensive collection of Sienese gold-ground paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries, including masterpieces by Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini. Also, don't miss works by Pinturicchio and Sodoma.
Absolutely! It's considered a true gem for art lovers, offering an unparalleled collection of Sienese masters and a deep dive into medieval and Renaissance art.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as calm, peaceful, and serene, making it ideal for a relaxed appreciation of the art.
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions. For instance, there was an exhibition titled 'Il Giardino delle Risonanze' that brought together the Pinacoteca Nazionale and Mambo. Check their official site for current events.
Yes, there is a room within the museum that offers an astonishing and panoramic view of Siena, which is highly recommended by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff to confirm.
Beyond the artworks themselves, the room offering the panoramic view of Siena is a prime spot for photography. The architecture of the historic building also provides great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more interactive, you could prepare a simple scavenger hunt for specific colors, animals, or figures depicted in the paintings before you go. This can help keep children engaged and encourage them to look closely at the artworks.
🎨 Art History Buffs
The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the Sienese school, extending into the Renaissance with pieces by Pinturicchio and Il Sodoma. The opportunity to study these masterpieces in a relatively uncrowded and peaceful environment allows for deep contemplation and appreciation of the artistic techniques and historical context.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
It's a perfect place to wander at your own pace, perhaps with an audio guide or a good art history book, and connect with the masterpieces on a personal level. The panoramic city view also offers a moment of quiet reflection on the beauty of Siena.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Sienese Art
Visitors can immerse themselves in the artistic evolution of Siena through masterpieces by pivotal figures like Duccio di Buoninsegna, considered the father of Sienese painting, and Simone Martini, known for his elegant style and courtly figures. The museum also showcases significant works from the later Renaissance period by artists such as Pinturicchio and Il Sodoma, offering a comprehensive journey through centuries of artistic innovation.
Beyond the paintings, the historic building itself, composed of the Buonsignori and Brigidi palaces, adds to the immersive experience. The museum's layout encourages a thoughtful exploration, allowing visitors to appreciate the context and craftsmanship of these remarkable artworks in a serene environment.
Navigating the Collection and Experience
The atmosphere is consistently praised for being calm and peaceful, with many visitors enjoying the lack of crowds, which allows for a more personal and unhurried engagement with the art. This tranquility makes it an ideal escape for art lovers seeking a contemplative experience.
Don't forget to seek out the special room that offers an astonishing panoramic view of Siena. This unexpected bonus provides a beautiful perspective of the city and a memorable moment to cap off your artistic exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit