Visiting the Museum of Industrial Art in Bologna: The museum complex, consisting of the Civic Museum of Industrial Art and the Davia Bargellini Gallery, celebrated its centennial on May 20, 2020.

With great curiosity, I approached my visit to the Davia Bargellini Museum, a fascinating corner of Bologna that houses a unique collection. This museum is a vivid testament to the ingenuity and foresight of people who, with their innovative spirit, helped define the excellence of the Bologna region, one of the most developed in Italy and Europe.

The museum houses a collection that combines art and industry, telling the story of a city that, throughout history, has been a hub of productive activity. The displayed works reflect not only artistic talent but also the evolution of crafts and technologies, symbolizing the industriousness and entrepreneurial spirit that have always characterized the region.

It’s truly a journey into industrial art and Bolognese culture, one that deserves to be discovered.

All the images in this blog post were taken by Pastakira for Lety goes on

The Davia Bargellini Palace

Located on Strada Maggiore, the palace is an example of Bolognese Baroque art. Its construction began in 1630 by Ermes and Camillo Bargellini, designed by architects Bartolomeo Provaglia and Antonio Uri, with the two atlantes by Gabriele Brunelli and Francesco Agnesi, which define the façade.

The noble Bolognese families obtained permission from the city Senate to build the palace without a portico, a privilege granted only to the most important families. In 1730, a grand 18th-century staircase was added, as well as the old ballroom, where paintings from the second half of the 1600s are still displayed.

Opening Hours and Access Information

• Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed
• Admission: Free

The Industrial Art Collections

I begin exploring the industrial art collection, which features a vast array of objects of diverse nature. I can almost picture the men and women of the time, handling fans, snuffboxes, enamel watches, watch keys, and dials, moving animatedly through their luxurious homes, engaging in business dealings and social events. Among the many objects displayed, I find wrought iron, branches, ornamental bronzes, embossed leather, harnesses, and furniture handles.

I also explore ceramics, glassware, and porcelain from the most important European factories, as well as a remarkable collection of high-quality wax figures, wallpaper and book samples, fabrics, and embroidery. There are silver pieces, miniature portraits, 18th and 19th-century paintings, miniature furniture models, and a massive collection of carved and gilded frames (16th-19th century), many still in their original form, with the corresponding paintings.

The Painting Gallery (Quadreria)

I continue my visit by exploring the Quadreria, an example of historic Bolognese collecting. In the portrait gallery, I admire images of the most illustrious members of the Bargellini family (by Bartolomeo Passerotti, Prospero, and Lavinia Fontana), alongside works by Bartolomeo Cesi, Alessandro Tiarini, and examples of painting from earlier centuries (14th-15th century).

Within the Quadreria, you’ll find the “Madonna with Child in Throne and Donors” (Madonna dei Denti), a 1345 panel by Vitale da Bologna. This masterpiece exemplifies the artist’s elegant and popular figurative culture.

The Puppet Theatre

If you’re passing through, don’t forget to stop and admire the 18th-century puppet theatre, purchased in 1922. The structure, with five changing scenes, is a typical Bolognese Bibiena-style theatre and bears the coat of arms of the Forlì-based Albicini family. The theatre contains 74 puppets, 9 horses, and a monkey.

Check the Official Brochure

I hope this post has been helpful! If you want to dive deeper, I recommend visiting the official website or going to see the museum in person. Admission is free, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, and Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. It’s closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check the official brochure

I hope this post can be useful to you.

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on

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