MAO Museum of Oriental Art
A serene 17th-century palace housing a journey through Asian art, from India to the Islamic world, with tranquil zen gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
MAO Museum of Oriental Art
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 17th-century palace housing a journey through Asian art, from India to the Islamic world, with tranquil zen gardens.
"It is less a museum but more a journey through time and culture, unfolding in silence and beauty."
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the 5 regional sections and special exhibits.
Check Special Exhibitions
Discover unique perspectives and modern pieces in temporary exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zen Gardens & Natural Light
Entrance and central atrium
Experience pure harmony with natural light illuminating serene zen gardens, setting a contemplative tone.
Regional Galleries
Floors 1-5
Journey through India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Himalayas, and the Islamic world, each beautifully curated.
17th-Century Palace Architecture
Entire building
Marvel at the incredible architecture of the historic palace housing the museum's treasures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Beyond the Permanent Collection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the 5 regional sections and special exhibits.
Check Special Exhibitions
Discover unique perspectives and modern pieces in temporary exhibits.
Gift Shop Wishlist
Hoping for more English books in the gift shop!
Clean Amenities
Appreciate the convenience of clean toilets available on every floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the 5 regional sections and special exhibits.
Check Special Exhibitions
Discover unique perspectives and modern pieces in temporary exhibits.
Gift Shop Wishlist
Hoping for more English books in the gift shop!
Clean Amenities
Appreciate the convenience of clean toilets available on every floor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the MAO Museum of Oriental Art for its serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and well-curated regional galleries that offer an immersive journey through Asian cultures. The fair pricing and convenient amenities are also highlighted as positives, though some suggest improvements in the detail and placement of informational text for permanent exhibitions.
"A serene and immersive journey through Asian art
From the very first step, MAO welcomes you with an atmosphere of pure harmony. The natural light filtering through the glass canopy illuminates the zen gardens, creating a sense of calm that sets the tone for the entire visit. The museum is masterfully curated: each floor is dedicated to a different region—India and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Himalayas, and the Islamic world—arranged with a museographic clarity that feels both technical and poetic.
What makes MAO unique is not just the richness of its collection but the atmosphere—quiet, luminous, and contemplative. Every gallery feels like a carefully orchestrated stage where light, space, and color guide your perception. It is less a museum and more a journey through time and culture, unfolding in silence and beauty. An absolute must-visit in Turin."
Jk Asz (Jaszk)
"Incredible museum, 4 floors of Asian (east and south) history and told very beautifully. Many artifacts are presented and it intertwines religion really nicely (and clearly). Super super cool museum, the only thing I would wish for is more English books in their gift shop."
Mira A.
"What a find. Great museum and very well laid out with useful information. Bonus of many clean toilets on every floor. Plan to take st least 2 hours here. The kimono special exhibit was very interesting."
Penny Nasrin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MAO Museum of Oriental Art is located within a 17th-century palace. Public transport options are generally good in Turin, but specific details on bus or tram routes would require checking local transit apps or websites.
Information on parking availability and costs near the museum is not readily available from user reviews. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for options.
The museum building is described as accessible, and features amenities on every floor, suggesting good accessibility for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reviews mention a 'very fair price' for admission, indicating it's considered good value for the varied and interesting selection of art.
Specific discount information is not detailed in the provided reviews. It's recommended to check the official MAO Museum website for any potential student, senior, or group rates.
Opening hours are not specified in the reviews. Visitors should consult the official MAO Museum website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
While not explicitly mentioned, purchasing tickets online is often recommended for popular attractions to save time. Check the museum's official website for online booking options.
Crowd levels can vary, with weekday mornings generally being less crowded. Afternoons might see more visitors as tour groups thin out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors recommend planning for at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the museum's collections and architecture.
The museum is masterfully curated with 5 regional sections: India and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Himalayas, and the Islamic world, arranged with clarity.
Yes, there are many clean toilets available on every floor, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
The museum displays Asian art and craft objects, including Persian ceramics, and features both permanent and special exhibitions.
While the architecture and exhibits are visually appealing, specific photography policies should be checked. The natural light and serene atmosphere make it a beautiful place to capture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about dining facilities within the museum is not provided in the reviews. It's best to check the official website or inquire upon arrival.
Reviews don't specify nearby restaurants, but Turin offers a wide range of culinary experiences. Exploring the surrounding areas for local trattorias is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While the museum is visually stunning, it's advisable to check the official MAO Museum website or inquire at the entrance regarding photo restrictions.
The central atrium with its zen gardens and natural light is a prime spot. The diverse regional galleries also offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on specific regions or objects that might appeal to children, such as Japanese art or colorful textiles. While the information panels can be detailed, highlighting key visual elements or stories can make the visit more interactive. The beautiful architecture and the central zen garden also provide visually stimulating areas.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
The integration of modern design elements, such as the glass canopy and the central atrium, creates a unique juxtaposition with the historic structure. The way natural light plays within the spaces, particularly illuminating the zen gardens, is a testament to thoughtful architectural consideration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Asian Art
The museum's collection spans a wide array of art and craft objects, from intricate textiles to delicate ceramics and religious artifacts. Reviewers highlight the intertwining of religion and history within the displays, making the exhibits not just visually appealing but also informative. The special exhibition on Persian ceramics, for instance, was a pleasant surprise for one visitor, showcasing the breadth of the museum's scope.
Beyond the artifacts themselves, the MAO is housed within a magnificent 17th-century palace. The architecture of the building is frequently mentioned as a significant draw, complementing the art it contains. The natural light filtering through a glass canopy illuminates zen gardens, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere that enhances the overall visitor experience.
The MAO Experience: Atmosphere and Curation
The curation is generally well-received, with praise for its clarity and poetic arrangement. However, one reviewer suggested room for improvement in the curation of permanent exhibitions, finding the information points overly detailed and frequently placed. Despite this, the effort in assembling such a diverse collection is widely appreciated.
Practical amenities also contribute to a positive experience. The presence of clean toilets on every floor is a frequently mentioned convenience, enhancing visitor comfort. While the gift shop was noted for a desire for more English books, the overall friendly and helpful staff contribute to the welcoming environment.
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