Located on Via dell'Archiginnasio, inside Palazzo Galvani, the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna was founded in the second half of the 19th century as a result of the union between the University Museum and the Municipal Museum.
In addition to being one of the region's main collections of artifacts, the Bologna Civic Archaeological Museum houses some of the most important and significant collections of Egyptian and Roman antiquities in Europe and has hosted prestigious art exhibitions and displays in recent decades.
The collection of finds dating back to prehistory
One of the first stops on the exhibition itinerary at the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna allows you to admire finds dating back to the Paleolithic: points, scrapers, and numerous other tools made of phthanite and flint are just some of the many testimonies from the prehistoric age.
The section also houses a notable quantity of finds dating back to theBronze Age, such as ceramic objects and metal or bone tools capable of fascinating any enthusiast.
Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna: the Greek period
The room in the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna dedicated to the Greek world includes a vast collection of Attic ceramics and fine goldsmith pieces that exemplify the craftsmanship of ancient Greece .
Many of the marble artifacts are Roman reworkings of Hellenic originals: among these, the evocative head of Lemnian Athena stands out, inspired by the bronze statue created by Phidias in the 5th century BC and later reproduced in the Augustan era.
Etruscan art on display
Delving deeper into the various areas of the Bologna Civic Archaeological Museum , you'll come across a section specifically dedicated to Etruscan artifacts. This is a particularly interesting part of the museum for its reconstruction of Felsinea, the settlement on whose ashes the city of Bologna arose, and which thus served as its embryonic nucleus.
Among the pieces exhibited in the Etruscan section of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna are numerous grave goods, everyday utensils, bronze tools and ceramic and bronze vessels which over time have constituted fundamental elements for the reconstruction of the customs and habits of the civilisation which settled the region starting from the 8th century BC.
Particularly evocative are the finds from the Giardini Margherita necropolis, where luxury objects, Greek vases intended for wine consumption, and bronze vessels depicting scenes of civil, religious, and military life were discovered.
A space dedicated to the Roman age
Undoubtedly one of the richest and most fascinating sections of the entire structure, the collection of Roman artefacts at the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna is a source of attraction for visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
The collection of Roman artifacts includes glass vessels, bronze statuettes, and household tools such as keys, scales, needles, bells, and spoons. Of particular value are the decorated early Christian ivories and marble sculptures, including statues, reliefs, and public and private portraits.
The Lapidary of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna
A particular section of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna is entirely dedicated to the Roman tombstones found in the city of Bologna and its provinces dating back to a period between the 1st and 2nd century BC.
Particularly noteworthy is the armored statue of the emperor Nero, found during the Renaissance in Piazza de' Celestini, once the site of the city's Roman theater.
Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna: the Egyptian section
Among the most important in Europe, the collection of Egyptian artifacts at the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna includes more than 3,500 objects dating back to Egyptian times, including stelae, sarcophagi, and statuettes, which retrace approximately three thousand years of history.
The museum's exhibition itinerary follows a precise chronological order, beginning with the Old Kingdom and concluding in the Ptolemaic era. It also includes numerous in-depth studies on topics of interest, such as funerary objects and writing.
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In addition to the Archaeological Museum of Bologna, among the things to see in Bologna, if you appreciate history and art, we also recommend the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna. Ask for advice at the reception desk of the Hotel Maggiore and fully immerse yourself in the history, culture, and art that our fantastic city has to offer. Book now on our website: request a quote tailored to your travel needs for one of our rooms or residence apartments.
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