Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Gallery): the must-see picks

The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna is a landmark for art lovers, showcasing centuries of artistic excellence.

Located in the historic university district, this museum houses masterpieces from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Housed in a former Jesuit novitiate, its halls echo the legacy of Bologna’s artistic evolution and Italy’s broader cultural heritage.

Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna: the building and a pinch of history

Situated in the heart of Bologna's university district, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna occupies the former Jesuit novitiate of Sant'Ignazio.

This 17th-century edifice, repurposed during the Napoleonic era, now serves as a sanctuary for masterpieces spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

The museum's origins trace back to 1808, and over the years, it has curated a collection that reflects the evolution of art in Bologna and beyond.

Plan your visit to Pinacoteca

It's always a good idea to arrive at a museum well-prepared for what to look for and what to save for the next time.

The museum's collection is meticulously organized, guiding visitors through various art movements and periods.

Inside the Pinacoteca, you'll mostly find works by Emilian painters from the 1200s to the 1700s, with a few pieces from other parts of Italy, like Giotto and Raffaello Sanzio.

My suggestion?
Take an entire afternoon to visit it or, if you're art-nerds, dilute the visit over several days, to be able to appreciate the eras and schools represented.

What to see inside the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

From Medieval beginnings: Giotto and the Dragon

Let's kick off the art journey back in the 1300s.

A few steps in to meet Vitale da Bologna's masterpiece, "Saint George Slaying the Dragon". This piece alone is worth a visit, so don't rush to see everything else and linger for a long time in the first corridor.

Just next to it, you'll be amazed by the gazes of the polyptych by Pseudo Jacopino. I think I fell in love with a few Saints, ops.

Step into another room, and there it is – the one and only piece by Giotto still hanging out in Bologna: the polyptych called "The Madonna Enthroned with Four Saints."

Can't swing a day trip from Bologna to Padua?
Well, this is your chance to proudly declare, "Yep, I've seen Giotto!"

The spirit of a dead church: Mezzaratta's frescoes

Towards the end of the 14th-century section, you'll find 3 spacious rooms that play home to the rescued frescoes from the San Francesco convent refectory and Sant'Apollonia di Mezzaratta church.

These artworks were in danger due to harsh environmental conditions.
But in 1949, they were delicately removed and then reconstructed right here, keeping true to the original structure.

As you step into the large room, you'll catch sight of the church's counter-façade, complete with a charming rose window and a gently sloping roof.
It's almost like wandering through the lingering spirit of a church.

And don't miss the room dedicated to the sinopias, the initial sketches that inspired those captivating frescoes.

If you haven't said wow yet, you will.

Raffaello Sanzio's Renaissance legacy

Raffaello Sanzio, a master painter and architect of the Italian High Renaissance, is best known for his Madonnas and large figure compositions.

His work is admired for its clarity of form and ease of composition.
In Florence, his paintings of the Madonna and Child display his characteristic human warmth and serenity.

Among his most famous paintings are "Madonna in the Meadow" and "The Transfiguration."

At the Pinacoteca, you’ll find Raffaello's "Ecstasy of St. Cecilia," a masterpiece that epitomizes the High Renaissance qualities of harmony and ideal beauty

But other masters are yet to come: Amico Aspertini's "Adoration of the Magi", Parmigianino with the "Pala di Santa Margherita", El Greco with early work, and Titian with the late work "Jesus crucified with the Good Thief".

Bologna's revolution: the Carracci brothers

The Carracci brothers—Annibale, Agostino, and their cousin Ludovico—were pivotal in the late 16th-century art scene.

They founded the Accademia degli Incamminati in Bologna, aiming to reform art by returning to naturalism and the study of truth and drawing, opposing the refined, intellectual phase of Mannerism.

Annibale Carracci, the most experienced artist in the group, shared his knowledge of painting through collaborative works with his pupils.

Their academy, considered the first major art school based on life drawing, served as a model for later art schools throughout Europe.

All their paintings deserve your attention, but don't miss "The Madonna with Child Enthroned." Ludovico Carracci put Bologna and its towers in the background. It's like he plonked the scene right into reality.

Why Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna?

Visiting the Pinacoteca means delving into the heart of art in Bologna, a city that has nurtured creative expression for centuries.

Whether you're captivated by Raphael's serene compositions, Giotto's pioneering naturalism, or the Carracci’s transformative vision, this museum offers a comprehensive view of Italy’s artistic journey.

Visitor information: plan your trip

• Location: Via delle Belle Arti 56, 40126 Bologna

• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Closed on Mondays
• Admission Fees: €10 standard ticket, with discounts available for eligible visitors
• Accessibility: Fully equipped with ramps and elevators for individuals with disabilities

For more details, visit the museum’s official website.

The Pinacoteca Nazionale offers a rich tapestry of art history, from the early Renaissance to the Baroque period.

Its diverse collection and historical setting make it an essential destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the artistic legacy of Bologna and art museums in Italy.