Museo Revoltella
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Founded in 1872 by Baron Pasquale Revoltella, the Revoltella Museum is a prominent modern art gallery located in Trieste, Italy. The museum originated from the baron's bequest of his home, artworks, furniture, and library to the city. Its main building, designed by Friedrich Hitzig and built in 1858, was later expanded by acquiring the nearby Brunner palace in 1907, which was fully utilized after Carlo Scarpa's reconstruction in 1963. Today, the museum encompasses three buildings with around 4,000 square meters of exhibition space. The collection includes approximately 350 paintings and sculptures, featuring works by notable Italian and European artists such as Giuseppe Tominz, Giorgio de Chirico, Antonio Canova, and Alberto Burri. The Brunner palace houses Italian artworks from the late 19th century through the 20th century, including regional artists from Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The museum remains a cultural landmark dedicated to modern art, with a rich history of directors who have shaped its development.
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Tip: The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, except Tuesdays when it is closed. The last admission is at 6 PM. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online to skip queues and can benefit from free admission on the first Sunday of each month and on the city's patron saint day. Accessibility is well-considered, with all floors accessible to people with reduced mobility. Note that dogs are temporarily not allowed inside the museum for artwork safety reasons. Guided tours and educational activities are available through CoopCulture, and a bookshop offers a wide selection of catalogs and publications.
Interesting facts
- •The museum was founded by Baron Pasquale Revoltella, who left his entire house and art collection to the city of Trieste in 1869.
- •The main building was designed by the renowned Berlin architect Friedrich Hitzig in 1858.
- •Carlo Scarpa, a famous Italian architect, redesigned the Brunner palace in 1963 to expand the museum's exhibition space.
- •The museum's collection includes about 350 paintings and sculptures, showcasing Italian and European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- •The museum is Italy's oldest gallery dedicated specifically to modern art, established in 1872.
- •Many artworks were acquired from the Venice Biennales held between 1895 and 1968.
- •The museum complex consists of three palaces: the original Revoltella palace, Palazzo Brunner, and Palazzo Basevi.
History
The Revoltella Museum was established in 1872 following the death of Baron Pasquale Revoltella in 1869, who bequeathed his residence and art collection to the city of Trieste.
The main building was constructed in 1858 by architect Friedrich Hitzig.
In 1907, the city expanded the museum by acquiring the nearby Brunner palace, which was fully integrated into the museum complex after Carlo Scarpa's renovation in 1963.
Later expansions included the addition of Palazzo Basevi in 1991.
Over time, the museum evolved to become Italy's oldest modern art gallery permanently dedicated to this genre, maintaining the founder's vision through the institution of the Curatorio to oversee its management.
Place Guide
Main Building (Palazzo Revoltella)1858
The original residence of Baron Pasquale Revoltella, built in 1858 by Friedrich Hitzig, featuring the baron's apartment and original furnishings alongside early artworks.
Brunner Palace1907 (acquisition), 1963 (renovation)
Acquired in 1907 and fully renovated in 1963 by Carlo Scarpa, this palace hosts the main exhibition floors, including Italian art from the late 19th century to the 20th century, as well as regional and national artists.
Palazzo Basevi1991
Added to the museum complex in 1991 following renovations by Franco Vattolo and Giampaolo Bartoli, further increasing exhibition space.
Contact
Phone: 040 675 4350
