To kick off the long holiday weekend on Thursday, April 25, the region of Tuscany will be offering free entry to state-run museums. Celebrations will be held across the country to honor the bravery and sacrifices made during World War II, which led to the end of Nazi and Fascist occupation following Italy’s surrender to the Allies on September 8, 1943. Additionally, guests can also visit the same museums for free the following week on Wednesday, May 1, Labor Day.
Among these museums is the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art in Arezzo, housed in a stunning Renaissance building. Renowned for its diverse collection, this museum is considered one of Tuscany’s most captivating due to its assortment of works from various backgrounds and origins.
Another popular destination is the National Museum of Napoleonic Residence, Palazzina de Mulini, located in Livorno. Additionally, there’s another location on via di San Martino in Livorno. This museum showcases Napoleon Bonaparte’s time on the island of Elba from May 4, 1814, to February 5, 1815. Visitors can explore preserved relics, furnishings, and part of the library Napoleon brought with him, later donated to the Community of Portoferraio.
In Pisa, visitors can explore the National Museum of the Monumental Charterhouse (Certosa)of Calci, though reservations are required. Founded in 1366, the Charterhouse stands amidst olive trees in Valgraziosa. Accessible via two avenues and a pedestrian path, visitors can admire the complex’s double facade. Inside, rooms are open to the public, with the sacristy showcasing the Atlantic Bible, a 12th-century illuminated codex in four volumes. After a ten-year stint in the National Museum of San Matteo in Pisa, the Bible returned to its original location in 2015. (Sophia Koch)
FREE MUSEUMS
AREZZO
Basilica of San Francesco: Reservations required. Piazza San Francesco, 1. 9 am – 7 pm (last entry 6:30 pm).
National Archaeological Museum “Gaio Cilnio Mecenate” and Roman Amphitheater: via Margaritone, 1. 9 am – 7 pm (last entry 6:30 pm).
Casa Vasari Museum: Via XX Settembre, 55. 8:30 am – 1:30 pm (last entry 12:30 pm)
National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art: Via San Lorentino, 8. 8:30 am-1:30 pm (last entry 12:30 pm).
Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of the Upper Tiber Valley: Piazza Mameli, snc. 10 am-3 pm (with entrances ever hour and last entrance at 2 pm)
Castelfranco Piandiscò Abbey of San Salvatore in Soffena: Via di Soffena, 2. 9:15 am – 1:45 pm
GROSSETO
Archaeological Area of Roselle: Via dei Ruderi, 46. 9:45 am-6:30 pm (April 25), 8:15 am – 7:45 pm (May 1).
Archaeological Area of Vetulonia: Via Case di Siena, snc. 9:45 am – 6:45 pm (last entry 6 pm).
National Archeological Museum and Archeological Area of Cosa: Via delle Ginestre, Ansedonia. 9:45 am – 6:45 pm (last entry 6 pm).
LIVORNO
National Archaeological Museum of Castiglioncello: Via del Museo, 8. 10 am-1 pm, 4:30 – 7:30 pm (April 25), 10 am-1pm (May 1).
National Museum of Napoleonic Residences Palazzina dei Mulini: Piazzale Napoleone, 1 – 3 pm, 9 am – 1 pm.
National Museum of Napoleonic Residences Villa S. Martino: Via di San Martino. 9 am-1 pm.
LUCCA
National Museum of Villa Guinigi: Via della Quarquonia, snc. 9 am – 7:30 pm (last entry 6 pm).
National Museum of Palazzo Mansi: Via Galli Tassi, 43. 9 am – 7:30 pm (last entry 6 pm).
PISA
National Museum of San Matteo: Piazza S. Matteo In Soarta. 9 am – 1:30 pm (last entry 1 pm).
National Museum of Palazzo Reale: Lungarno Pacinotti, 46. 9 am – 1:30 pm (last entry 1 pm).
National Museum of the Monumental Certosa of Calci: Reservations required. Via Roma, 79. 9 – 10 am, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (entrances exclusively with accompanied visits by museum staff).
PISTOIA
Fortress of Santa Barbara: Piazza della Resistenza. 8:30 am – 1:30 pm (only May 1).
Ex Church of the Tau: Reservation required. Corso Silvano Fedi 28. Free entrance only on April 25.
National Museum of Casa Giusti: Viale Vincenzo Martini, 18. 8 am -2 pm, 3 – 5 pm (exclusively with accompanied visits).
PRATO
Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano and Still Life Museum: Piazza de’ Medici, 14. 8:15 am-5 pm (last entry 4:30 pm). Monumental apartments and Still Life Museum require reservations.
Archaeological Area of Comeana, Tumuli di Montefortini and Boschetti: Via Montefortini, 1. 8:30 am – 1 pm, 1:30 – 5 pm.
SIENA
National Etruscan Museum of Chiusi: Via Porsenna, 93. 8:30 am–1:50 pm (last entry at 1:20 pm).
