All applied art museums to visit in Italy

Discover the beauty of functional art at 44 applied art museums in Italy. These museums highlight the intersection of art and utility, showcasing pieces that are both beautiful and practical.

Are you interested in the intersection of art and craftsmanship? These are the applied art museums you should visit in Italy:

  1. Museo Nazionale del Bargello1

    Museo Nazionale del Bargello

     Florence
    Museo Nazionale del Bargello is a museum in Florence that is housed in a 13th-century palace which is the oldest public building in Florence. It opened as a national museum in 1865 after it was used as barracks, a prison, and finally the residence of the Bargello, the head of the police. The art gal
  2. Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi2

    Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi

     Lucca
    The Museo di Palazzo Mansi, situated in the heart of Lucca, is home to a significant national art gallery. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of artworks, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts.
  3. Museo Poldi Pezzoli3

    Museo Poldi Pezzoli

     Milan
    The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is a museum in Milan that was founded in the 19th century from the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and his mother, Rosa Trivulzio, from the Gian Giacomo Trivulzio family. The museum holds and exhibits works by artists including Sandro Botticelli, Antonio Poll
  4. Museo Regionale della Ceramica di Caltagirone4

    Museo Regionale della Ceramica di Caltagirone

     Caltagirone
    The Museo della Ceramica di Caltagirone is a regional museum located in Sicily. It specializes in the display of ceramic artifacts that have been made in Sicily, dating back to prehistoric times. This museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Sicilian ceramics and understand the evolution of this art form over the centuries.
  5. Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo5

    Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo

     Venice
    The Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, also known as Palazzo Mocenigo di San Stae, is located near the Church of San Stae, south of the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce district of Venice, Italy. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Venice.
  6. La Triennale di Milano6

    La Triennale di Milano

     Milan
    Milan is the beating heart of the design world and La Triennale di Milano is the place to go to if you are interested in contemporary art and design. This design and art museum hosts frequently changing special exhibitions and events focusing on these, or related topics, such as urban planning or me
  7. Museo del Merletto di Burano7

    Museo del Merletto di Burano

     Venice
    The Museo del Merletto, or Lace Museum, is situated in the historic building of the Podestà of Torcello, in Piazza Galuppi in Burano. This building was the headquarters of the renowned Lace School from 1872 to 1970. The museum's location adds a layer of historical significance to the exhibits, as it was once a hub for lace-making education and production.
  8. Bagatti Valsecchi Museum8

    Bagatti Valsecchi Museum

     Milan
    The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is an important historic house museum nestled in downtown Milan. Nose around & see how aristocratic Milanese lived. The Renaissance art, decorative arts, furniture, scientific & musical instruments, sun dials, majolica, arms & armor and the rooms are preserved just as t
  9. 9

    Stanze al Genio

     Palermo
    The Museo delle maioliche Stanze al Genio has an exhibition of almost 5,000 examples of Italian majolica tiles from the 15th to the 19th century, arranged over 8 rooms. The Museum is housed in a part of the seventeenth-century Palazzo Torre Pirajno in Palermo.
  10. Paparella Treccia Devlet Museum10

    Paparella Treccia Devlet Museum

     Pescara
    The Museo Paparella Treccia Devlet is an art museum located in Pescara, Abruzzo. It is housed in Villa Urania, a small eclectic-style building that dates back to the late 19th century. The villa was built by Baron Giandomenico Treccia as a summer residence for his wife, Urania Valentini. The museum is situated in the heart of Pescara, just a few steps from the sea, making it easily accessible for tourists.
  11. Glauco Lombardi museum11

    Glauco Lombardi museum

     Parma
    The Lombardi Museum, situated on Giuseppe Garibaldi street in Parma, is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation of history and art. Its location corresponds to the Piazzale della Pace, making it easily accessible for visitors.
  12. Fondazione Accorsi Ometto - Museo di Arti Decorative12

    Fondazione Accorsi Ometto - Museo di Arti Decorative

     Turin
    Fondazione Accorsi Ometto - Museo di Arti Decorative (The Accorsi - Ometto Museum) is a private decorative arts museum in Turin that is housed in a historical building called the Via Po from 1684. The museum consists of 27 rooms that are divided into two sections: the first section features pieces f
  13. Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola13

    Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola

     Genoa
    Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola, The National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola (Spinola palace of Pellicceria or palace of Francesco Grimaldi) is a state museum located in a noble palace built at the end of the 16th century in Genoa. The third floor is occupied by the National Gallery of Liguria, wh
  14. Pinacoteca Civica di Ascoli Piceno14

    Pinacoteca Civica di Ascoli Piceno

     Ascoli Piceno
    The Pinacoteca Civica di Ascoli Piceno is a significant art museum located in the Marche region of central Italy. It is housed in the North and West wings of the Palazzo dell'Arengo, situated in the Piazza Arringo. The museum's location adds to its charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and architectural beauty of the region.
  15. Galleria Parmeggiani15

    Galleria Parmeggiani

     Reggio nell'Emilia
    The Galleria Anna e Luigi Parmeggiani is a museum located in Reggio Emilia. It houses a collection of furniture, paintings, and textiles. These collections were gathered between the late 19th and early 20th century by Luigi Parmeggiani. The museum is housed in a unique Gothic-Renaissance building, which was specially built by Parmeggiani in 1924 to showcase his art collection. The building's architecture is a blend of French and Spanish styles, reflecting Parmeggiani's eclectic taste.
  16. Museum of Textile and Costume16

    Museum of Textile and Costume

     Spoleto
    The Museum of Textile and Costume in Spoleto is a part of the interregional Umbrian-Marchigian museum network known as Sistema museo. This network includes various museums across the regions of Umbria and Marche, providing a comprehensive cultural experience for visitors.
  17. Museo Civico Medievale17

    Museo Civico Medievale

     Bologna
    Museo Civico Medievale (The Medieval Civic Museum) is part of the Civic Museums of Ancient Art in Bologna that is housed in Palazzo Ghislardi, an example of 15th century Bolognese architecture. It holds a collection of sepulchral monuments mostly from the 14th century and preserves works of Lombard
  18. Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure18

    Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure

     Florence
    The Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a public institute of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage in Florence. The operating and research activities of the Opificio are focused on the fields of restoration, preservation of works of art and the teaching of restoration. The museum is housed in the ro
  19. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo19

    Museo Salvatore Ferragamo

     Florence
    The Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is dedicated to the renowned shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Ferragamo emigrated to the United States and ended up in Hollywood where he worked with many stars in the 1920s. After that, he returned to Italy and founded a company selling unique handmade shoes and othe
  20. Gucci Museum - Gucci Garden20

    Gucci Museum - Gucci Garden

     Florence
    Established in 2011, the Gucci Museum - Gucci Garden is devoted to the renowned Florentine fashion house founded in 1921. It's housed in a 14th-century palace and showcases plenty of goods including bags, clothes, and jewelry. The museum also contains contemporary art installations, a library, a caf
  21. Museo Etnografico Regionale- Collezione Luigi Cocco21

    Museo Etnografico Regionale- Collezione Luigi Cocco

     Cagliari
    The Luigi Cocco collection is a significant collection of Sardinian art and crafts. It is managed by the municipality and is located at the citadel of museums in Cagliari. This collection provides a unique insight into the traditional art and craftsmanship of Sardinia, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in art, history, and culture.
  22. Palazzo Morando22

    Palazzo Morando

     Milan
    The Palazzo Morando is a historic building in the city of Milan and houses the Museum of Milan and the Costume Moda Immagine collection (a fashion related collection). The Palazzo Morando itself is an 18th century palazzo decorated and furnished from that period and features a rich collection of ant
  23. Museo dell'Arte Ceramica23

    Museo dell'Arte Ceramica

     Ascoli Piceno
    The Museo dell'arte ceramica, or the Ceramic Art Museum, is situated in the picturesque cloister of the former convent of the Romanesque church of San Tommaso in Ascoli Piceno. This museum, which was inaugurated on June 1, 2007, offers a unique blend of history and artistry, making it a fascinating destination for tourists.
  24. Museo della Ceramica a Vietri sul Mare24

    Museo della Ceramica a Vietri sul Mare

     Vietri sul Mare
    The Museo provinciale della ceramica, located in the estate of Villa Guariglia in Raito on the Amalfi Coast, is a museum dedicated to the art of ceramics. Established in 1981, the museum offers a unique insight into the rich history and tradition of ceramic art in the region.
  25. Tesoro dei Granduchi25

    Tesoro dei Granduchi

     Florence
    The Tesoro dei Granduchi (Treasure of the Grand Dukes) is part of the Palazzo Pitti complex in Florence. Established in the second half of the 19th century, it is housed in the northern side wing of the main building and extends over 14 rooms on the ground floor and 13 rooms at the mezzanine floor a
  26. Bonocore Palace26

    Bonocore Palace

     Palermo
    The Palazzo Bonocore was restored by the Superintendence for cultural heritage of Palermo and now hosts an exhibition showcasing the Greek-Albanian and Latin liturgical tradition in Sicily. This exhibition provides a unique insight into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Sicily's rich history, making it a worthwhile visit for tourists interested in culture and history.
  27. Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone27

    Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone

     Genoa
    The Museo d'Arte Orientale Edoardo Chiossone is a museum of Asian art in the northern Italian port of Genoa. The museum exhibits the collection of the etcher Edoardo Chiossone, which he brought together during his stays in Japan during the Meiji era. The collection includes paintings, prints, potter
  28. Museo del corallo Ascione28

    Museo del corallo Ascione

     Naples
    Museo del corallo Ascione (The Museum of the Coral) is a museum in Naples that illustrates the history of the coral jewelry production through the pieces it holds of the company Ascione from Torre del Greco from the 18th century to the present day. Furthermore, the museum holds some cameos and jewel
  29. Davia Bargellini Museum29

    Davia Bargellini Museum

     Bologna
    The Davia Bargellini Museum is a museum in Bologna that is housed in the Palazzo Davia Bargellini. The museum was established under the guidance of the art historian Francesco Malaguzzi Valeri who arranged works from the Davia Bargellini collection of paintings along with a selection of applied art
  30. Palazzo Doria-Tursi30

    Palazzo Doria-Tursi

     Genoa
    The Palazzo Doria Tursi is a palace in the old town of the Italian city of Genoa. It is located on Via Garibaldi, which belongs to the so-called Strade Nuove, which since 2006 belongs to UNESCO World Heritage. As part of the Palazzi dei Rolli, the Palazzo Doria Tursi is also a UNESCO World Heritage
  31. Glass Museum in Empoli31

    Glass Museum in Empoli

     Empoli
    The Glass Museum of Empoli is situated in a historical building at 50 Ridolfi Street. This building, known as the 'salt warehouse', dates back to the 14th century and was originally used to store and distribute the product of the Volterra salt pans. This unique location adds a layer of historical significance to the museum, making it not just a place to learn about glassmaking, but also a site of historical interest.
  32. Wolfsoniana32

    Wolfsoniana

     Genoa
    Wolfsoniana is an art museum in Genoa that is related to the Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d'Arte Moderna) in Genoa and belongs to the museum group of Nervi. The museum is located in the former ducal palace. Founder of the collection is the American Mitchell Wolfson jr., son of media entrepreneur
  33. Museo Nazionale Collezione Salce33

    Museo Nazionale Collezione Salce

     Treviso
    The Museo nazionale Collezione Salce, located in Treviso, is home to the largest collection of advertising graphics in Italy. This extensive collection was generously donated to the Italian state by Ferdinando Salce, a native of Treviso. The museum is a testament to Salce's lifelong passion for illustrated posters and his dedication to collecting them.
  34. Boncompagni Ludovisi Decorative Art Museum34

    Boncompagni Ludovisi Decorative Art Museum

     Rome
    The Boncompagni Ludovisi Decorative Arts Museum, also just Museo Boncompagni, is the Decorative Arts Museum of the National Gallery of Modern Art of Rome. The museum is housed in the Villino Boncompagni, an Art Nouveau villa from the twentieth century. The museum focuses on talian decorative arts, c
  35. The Costume Gallery35

    The Costume Gallery

     Florence
    The The Costume Gallery in Florence is part of the Pitti Palace complex, located in the wing called the Palazzina della Meridiana. Devoted to fashion, its exhibitions illustrate the evolution of fashion from the 16th to the early 20th century. The collection contains more than 6,000 items, including
  36. Basilio Cascella Civic Museum36

    Basilio Cascella Civic Museum

     Pescara
    The Basilio Cascella Civic Museum is an Italian art gallery situated in the Porta Nuova district of Pescara. The museum was established in a former lithographic factory that was set up in the 19th century by the painter Basilio Cascella. This location served as a center of artistic production and a meeting place for intellectuals for half a century.
  37. Porcelain Museum37

    Porcelain Museum

     Florence
    The Porcelain Museum is located in the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The museum holds a great collection of porcelain that was once in possession of the ruling families - the Medici, Lorraine, and Savoy. The items on display originate from different periods and are not only from Italy, but also from A
  38. Accademia delle Belle Arti38

    Accademia delle Belle Arti

     Genoa
    The Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts was established in Genoa in 1751 and is located in a neoclassical building, designed by architect Carlo Barabino. The museum was officially opened in 1980 and features ten exhibition rooms. The museum holds a collection that includes Ligurian paintings from the fou
  39. Museo della Tappezzeria39

    Museo della Tappezzeria

     Bologna
    Museo della Tappezzeria (The "Vittorio Zironi" Museum of Historical Tapestry), is part of the system of the Civic Museums of Ancient Art in the Municipality of Bologna. Founded by the artisan upholsterer Vittorio Zironi, it is located in the neoclassical Villa Spada. The collection includes various
  40. 40

    MURATS - Museo Unico Regionale Arte Tessile Sarda

     Samugheo
    The MURATS, or Museo Unico Regionale Arte Tessile Sarda, is situated in the town of Samugheo, in the province of Oristano. This region is renowned for its textile production, making it an ideal location for a museum dedicated to the art of Sardinian textiles.
  41. Museo d'arte di Palazzo Gavotti41

    Museo d'arte di Palazzo Gavotti

     Savona
    The Museo d'arte di Palazzo Gavotti is a museum located in the heart of the historic center of Savona, Italy. It is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Gavotti, which was once the town hall. The museum is situated in Piazza Chabrol, a location that adds to its historical significance.
  42. 42

    Art52 Esposizione

     Ortisei
    Seated in a local congress center, this gallery houses a permanent exhibition of woodcarvings, paitings and art pieces.
  43. 43

    Fermo Immagine - Museo del Manifesto Cinematografico

     Milan
    Fermo Immagine - Museum of the Milan Film Manifesto (Fermo Immagine - Museo del Manifesto Cinematografico) is a private museum in Milan that houses a collection of film posters.
  44. 44

    Museo del Design 1880-1980

     Milan
    Museo del Design 1880-1980 is a museum in Milan that holds and exhibits a collection that is curated by Giovanni Klaus Koenig.