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Galleria Estense: A Treasury of Art in Modena

Discover masterpieces from the Este collection, including works by Bernini, Velázquez, and El Greco, at Modena's Galleria Estense.

★★★★★4.7 (1967)

The Galleria Estense, located in the Palazzo dei Musei in Modena, showcases the art collections of the d'Este family, who ruled Modena, Reggio, and Ferrara. The gallery features a wide array of works, including paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and decorative arts.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Galleria Estense

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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Palazzo dei Musei Sala Mostre: piano terra | Galleria Estense: quarto piano, Largo Porta Sant'Agostino, 337, Modena, Province of Modena, 41121, IT
Tuesday
8:30 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am-7:30 pm
Thursday
8:30 am-7:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am-7:30 pm
Saturday
8:30 am-7:30 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm

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    Getting There

    Walking

    From the Modena train station, walk straight ahead through Piazza Dante Alighieri, then turn right onto Viale Monte Kosica. At the traffic lights, turn left onto Viale Vittorio Veneto, then turn right at the roundabout to stay on Viale Vittorio Veneto. Turn left onto Largo Porta Sant'Agostino. The Palazzo dei Musei will be on the right. The Galleria Estense is located on the fourth floor of the Palazzo dei Musei. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes to walk from the train station to the Galleria Estense.

    Public Transport

    From Modena train station, multiple bus lines will take you near the Galleria Estense. Bus lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 13 stop near the gallery. Get off at the Sant'Agostino Museo or Vittorio Veneto Bv Trombi stop. The Palazzo dei Musei will be within a few minutes' walk. A single urban bus ride in Modena costs €1.50. You can purchase tickets directly on the bus using a contactless credit card.

    Driving

    From the A1 Motorway, take the Modena Nord exit and follow the signs for "centro storico" and then "Palazzo dei Musei". Note that the historic center of Modena has restricted traffic zones (ZTL). Parking is available in the Novi Park underground parking garage, a short walk from the Palazzo dei Musei. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1 per hour. Parking is also available on blue lines, which indicates paid parking.

    Local tips

    Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission.
    Check the Galleria Estense website for the latest information on opening hours and special exhibitions.
    Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the gallery's extensive collection.
    The gallery is located on the fourth floor of the Palazzo dei Musei, accessible by elevator.

    Discover more about Galleria Estense

    The Galleria Estense is located on the fourth floor of the Palazzo dei Musei in Modena. It's centered around the art collection of the d'Este family, who ruled Modena, Reggio, and Ferrara. Established in 1854 and moved to its current location in 1894, the gallery is part of the Gallerie Estensi, which includes other museums and libraries reflecting the tastes of the Italian nobility. The gallery's collection includes paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, with a focus on artists from the Po Valley. You'll also find sculptures in marble and terracotta, decorative arts, drawings, and a collection of coins. Highlights include the marble bust of Francesco I d'Este by Bernini, a portrait of Francesco I by Velázquez, the Modena Triptych by El Greco, and paintings by Correggio and Guido Reni. The museum is dedicated to making art history accessible. The collections showcase a variety of artistic expressions from antiquity to the 18th century. These include Baroque oil paintings, Renaissance bronze medals and coins, and decorative musical instruments. The Palazzo dei Musei, which houses the Galleria Estense, is also home to the Estense Lapidary Museum, the Civic Museum, and the Estense Library.
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