The Bologna Welcome Card is a must-have for anyone exploring the best museums in Bologna, Italy. It offers free admission to some of the city’s top museums and attractions and discounts at many other locations. In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Bologna Welcome Card and how to purchase it.

We will also highlight some of our favorite museums, like the Historical Museum, Municipal Art Collection, and the National Gallery. Whether you’re an art buff or a history enthusiast, these museums have something for everyone.

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The Bologna Welcome Card is a pass that gives you access to many of the main cultural sites, such as museums, galleries, and historical monuments. It also grants access to various services, including transportation and guided tours. The Bologna Welcome Card can be a worthwhile investment for visitors exploring multiple attractions and museums in the city. Here are some additional details about the two different cards offered.

€25 /person

Entry to the following are included with the Card:

• • Museo Archeologico
  • Museo Medievale
  • Museo del Patrimonio Industriale
  • Museo del Risorgimento
  • Collezioni Comunali d’Arte
  • MAMbo – Museo d’arte contemporanea
  • Museo Internazionale and Biblioteca della Musica
  • Museo Morandi
  • Museo della Storia di Bologna in Palazzo Pepoli
  • Collezione Tagliavini in San Colombano
  • Church of Santa Maria della Vita with the Compianto sculpture by Niccolò dall’Arca;
  • Pinacoteca National
  • Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande
  • Asinelli Tower*
  • Palazzo Re Enzo (on its special openings)*

Bologna Welcome Card EASY also includes:

• • Reduced-price ticket to visit the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio)
  • Guided walking tour of the city center leaving from the Bologna Welcome office every day

*prior reservation is mandatory

€40 /person

Everything Included in the EASY Card and:

• • Guided tour on the City Red Bus, the open-top tourist bus;
  • Guided tour on the San Luca Express, the train connecting Bologna’s historic city center to the Basilica of San Luca;
  • San Luca Sky Experience, access to the Sanctuary’s dome terrace.

The Card can be purchased online or at authorized locations (e.g., the Bologna Welcome office). If you prefer a physical card, you can get one at the Bologna Welcome office by showing your virtual Card and paying €5 fee.

Once you have your Card, simply present it at participating attractions for hassle-free entry.

The Bologna Welcome Card is valid for 15 days from the activation date (the first time you use the Card for a museum or an activity) or until all museums have been visited or activities have been completed. Whichever event comes first.

Bologna is known for its cultural heritage. Museums in Bologna offer a fascinating journey through history, art, and music.

Address: Via dell’Archiginnasio 2, 40124 Bologna

The Archaeological Civic Museum (Museo Civico Archeologico) is a prestigious museum located in Palazzo Galvani, a 15th-century building in the city center near Piazza Maggiore which was once known as the “hospital of death.” The museum opened to the public in 1881. It is renowned for its impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts, the third-largest collection in Italy and among the most significant in Europe.

Additionally, the museum features collections dedicated to Roman, Greek, and Etruscan-Italic artifacts, with the latter being the most important as it documents the development of Felsina. Visitors can also enjoy a newly refurbished Gallery of plaster casts, a Gallic section, and one of the main numismatic collections in Italy.

Open and closing times vary by season. Visit the website for more information.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €6

Reduced rate – €4

The Museo Civico Archeologico is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: via Castiglione 8 – 40124

The Historical Museum of Bologna (Museo della Storia di Bologna) showcases the evolution of Bologna from its Etruscan roots to the present day. Additionally, the museum has a wing dedicated entirely to Bologna Mortadella.

Despite being housed in the Palazzo Pepoli, a Medieval Gothic-style palace, the museum is presented in an interactive and modern way. The museum is a must-visit for those interested in history and anthropology.

Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.). Closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €13

Reduced rate – €11 (see conditions)

Children – €5

The Historical Museum of Bologna is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: Via Manzoni, 4 – 40121

The Medieval Civic Museum (Museo Civico Medievale) has been located in Palazzo Ghisilardi since 1985.

The museum’s most significant exhibit consists of Medieval Bologna testimonies dating back to the 7th-9th centuries.

Another important section is dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque bronze sculptures, including the famous model of Nettuno by Giambologna. The collection also includes two pieces by Gian Lorenzo Bernini: The Saint Michael the Archangel and the Bust of Gregory XV Ludovisi.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the large statue of Pope Boniface VIII made in 1301 to commemorate his commitment to end the war between Bologna and Ferrara.

Open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €6

Reduced rate – €3

The Municipal Art Collection is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: Piazza Carducci 5, 40125

The Museo Civico del Risorgimento e Museo di Casa Carducci is a unique combination of two museums that give visitors a glimpse into Bologna’s role in the Italian Risorgimento and the life of famous poet Giosuè Carducci. The Museo Civico del Risorgimento showcases artifacts, documents, and memorabilia from the period of Italian unification, allowing visitors to understand the struggles and triumphs of the time.

On the other hand, Museo di Casa Carducci offers a more intimate experience, taking you through the rooms where Carducci lived and worked, providing insight into his creative process and the environment that shaped his poetry.

Together, these museums provide a comprehensive look into Bologna’s cultural and historical significance during a pivotal period in Italian history.

Open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €5

Reduced rate – €3

The Municipal Art Collection is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: Piazza Maggiore 6 – 40121

The Municipal Art Collection (Collezioni Comunali d’Arte) has been housed in the former winter apartment of the Cardinal Legates in Palazzo d’Accursio since 1936. This extensive collection includes paintings from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as decorative objects, furniture, porcelain, fabrics, lace, embroidery, miniatures, and important wooden crucifixes.

The collections create a “furnished museum” with halls that maintain their original decorations, where furniture is still intact. One of the highlights is the Urban Hall, which dates back to 1630 and was restored from 2013 to 2014. Its walls are covered in heraldic decorations consisting of 188 coats of arms and three figurative scenes, which have earned it the name “Sala degli Stemmi” (Coat of Arms Hall).

Open Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €6

Reduced rate – €3

The Municipal Art Collection is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: Via delle Belle Arti 56, 40126 Bologna

The National Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna), housed in the former Jesuit novitiate of St. Ignatius, opened in 1885. The gallery underwent a complete renovation in 1997. It is now recognized as one of Italy’s most advanced and significant National Galleries. Its collection, which dates back to 1827, features artwork from prominent Italian artists during the Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque periods, including Raphael, Perugino, Tintoretto, Titian, the Carraccis, Guercino, Giotto, and Reni.

In addition to its permanent collection, the art gallery hosts medium and large temporary exhibitions, educational activities, seminars, and conventions.

The museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday thru Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission is 30 minutes before closing). Closed on Mondays.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €8

Reduced rate for students – €2

Free for children under 18

The National Gallery is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: Via Clavature, 10 – 40124

The Church of Santa Maria della Vita houses the famous “Lamentation over Dead Christ” created during the second half of the 15th century by Niccolò dell’ Arca. This stunning sculpture captures the sorrow and grief of the Virgin Mary mourning over the lifeless body of Jesus. The level of detail and emotion portrayed in this artwork is truly captivating.

The Oratory and Old Hospital are located beside the Church. The Oratory houses the Transito della Vergine terracotta sculpture group by Alfonso Lombardi. The Old Hospital has been converted into the Museum of Health and Assistance.

The sculpture can be viewed Tuesday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the last access 1 hour before closing.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €5

Reduced rate – €3 (see conditions)

Children – €2

The Church of Santa Maria della Vita is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Also located within the complex is the Museum of Health and Assistance (Museo della Sanità e dell’Assistenza). This museum provides insight into the history of health by displaying medical instruments, scientific materials, paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, sacred furnishings and vestments, and a collection of 150 small trees from the old hospital pharmacy. Additionally, visitors can view the famous “jewel” of the Sun King, depicted on a miniature studded with diamonds by Jean Petitot. The Oratory and Museum are not included with the Bologna Welcome card.

Address: Piazza Galvani 5 – 40124 Bologna

The Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, is in Piazza Maggiore. It’s the largest and most important Church in Bologna.

Construction of the Church began in 1390 under the supervision of Antonio di Vincenzo. In 1514, Arduino degli Arriguzzi suggested a new Latin-cross model that would have been larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. However, according to legend, Pope Pius IV blocked its construction. The façade of the Church also remained unfinished, being only partly covered in marble by Giacomo Ranuzzi starting in 1538.

The interior, completed in different eras, is divided into three naves, which open onto twenty-two chapels decorated by artists, including Francesco Francia, Lorenzo Costa, Parmigianino, and Donato Credi.

The Basilica is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Basilica is free to the public.

The Chapel of the Magi (Bolognini), Chapel of San Sebastiano, and Chapel of San Vincenzo are open every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last entry at 12:45) and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:45 p.m.). The entrance fee for the chapels is € 5.

NOTE: Although the Basilica is included as part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit, admission to the chapels is not included.

Address: Via di San Luca 36 – 40135 Bologna

The Sanctuary of San Luca, located on Colle della Guardia, has been the symbol of Bologna as well as a place of religious worship for centuries. It is connected to the city center by a road that, starting from Porta Saragozza, unwinds for four kilometers with a portico that boasts over 600 archways and is the longest in the world. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2021 with the other city porticoes. Here is a great guide about getting to the Sanctuary.

The portico started being built in 1674, and during Ascension week, a procession has been walking along it carrying the Byzantine Madonna with Child to the Cathedral since 1433. The Sanctuary church was, however, built later in the 18th century to replace a previous 15th-century construction.

The Sanctuary offers marvelous views over the surrounding landscape. In addition, the panoramic terrace opened in 2017 at a height of 42 meters above Colle della Guardia (300 m asl), enables visitors to admire a unique 180° view of Bologna from the hills to the center stretching out as far as Casalecchio di Reno.

The Sanctuary is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Access to the Sanctuary is free.

The San Luca Sky Experience and the Cripta di San Luca are open Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance Fee for Sky Experience:

Full rate – €5

Reduced rate – €3 (see conditions)

Children – Free (see conditions)

Entrance Fee for Cripta di San Luca:

Full rate – €3

Children – Free (see conditions)

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission to the Sky Experience is free for Card holders.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana – 40126 Bologna

The Twin Towers, situated at the spot where the ancient Via Emilia (Aemilian Way) entered Bologna, are iconic symbols of the city. Constructed in the Middle Ages, they served a dual purpose of signaling and defense while showcasing the social status of the family who commissioned their construction.

TORRE DEGLI ASINELLI

The Asinelli family commissioned the Tower between 1109 and 1119. The Tower is an impressive 318 feet (97 meters) high. Visitors can reach the top, where they will enjoy spectacular city views by climbing 498 internal steps.

TORRE GARISENDA

Torre Garisenda was constructed around the same time as Torre degli Asinelli. However, it is shorter, measuring only 154 feet (47 meters) tall. One of its unique features is its steep overhang caused by the sinking of the land under the foundation. In the 14th century, the Tower was lowered due to the possibility of it collapsing. Currently, the Tower is undergoing restoration work.

The Asinelli Tower is the only one open to the public.

Open and closing times vary by season. Visit the website for more information.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €5

Reduced rate – €3

The Torre degli Asinelli is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders. NOTE: Booking is required online or at the Bologna Welcome Information Office.

Address: Via Don Minzoni 14 – 40121

The Bologna Museum of Modern Art (Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna) or MAMbo was inaugurated in 2007.

Located in an old bakery, the MAMbo provides a journey through the history of Italian art from the end of WWII to the present day. In addition to the permanent collection, the contemporary art museum hosts extensive temporary exhibitions dedicated to important Italian and international artists. One noteworthy work on display is Homage to the Hollywood Squares (featuring Bridget Riley) by Francesco Vezzoli (2008). This large square tapestry uses the medium, which has always been present in the artist’s work, to ironically rework references to Bridget Riley’s Op Art and the textile art of Anni Albers.

The Morandi Museum has been housed at the MAMbo since 2012. Visitors to the museum can admire “Flowers” (1950), a topic that Giorgio Morandi explored throughout his artistic career, gradually shifting towards dried or silk flowers over natural ones. The museum also displays “Still Life.”

The museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €6

Reduced rate – €4

The MAMbo is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: c/o Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti, Strada Maggiore 34, 40125

The International Music Museum and Library (Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica), located in the historic Palazzo Sanguinetti, was established in 2004. The museum features an impressive collection of printed music from the 16th to the 18th centuries, including incunabula, manuscripts, opera librettos, and autographs and letters collected by Father Martini. The building’s beautifully frescoed rooms, previously home to Gioacchino Rossini, provide a stunning backdrop for this prestigious collection.

The museum is open Tuesday thru Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Entrance Fee:

Full rate – €5

Reduced rate – €3/€2

Students – free

The International Music Museum and Library is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Admission is free for Card holders.

Address: Via Parigi 5 – 40121 Bologna

The Museum of San Colombano is located in a historic monastery complex that dates back to 616 AD. It was deconsecrated in 1798 and now serves as the home for the prestigious Tagliavini collection of ancient musical instruments and the specialized library of Bolognese musicologist Oscar Mischiati. The collection comprises seventy restored instruments, including clavichords, organs, harpsichords, spinets, pianos, wind, and popular instruments from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

In addition to the musical instruments, the premises also house the renowned Oratory of San Colombano, which is famous for its stunning cycle of seventeenth-century frescoes. The Oratory was built in 1591 and adorned with a beautiful cycle of frescoes a few years later. The artists responsible for these frescoes were led by Ludovico Carracci and included renowned names such as Guido Reni, Domenichino, and Francesco Albani. The frescoes were inspired by the Stories of the Passion and the Triumph of Christ, making the Oratory of San Colombano a must-visit site for art enthusiasts.

The museum is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance Fees:

Full rate – €7

Reduced rate – €5

Children – €4

The Museum of San Colombano and Collezione Tagliavini is part of the Bologna Welcome Card circuit. Oratory is free for cardholders.

Address: Via Zamboni 33 – 40126

The Palazzo Poggi, which was built during the 16th century on a design by Pellegrino Tibaldi, who was also the author of part of the frescoes in the interior, stands in the true heart of the university area and was also, since 1803, the seat of the University. Inside the palace is the Carducci Lecture Hall; it was here that the poet Giosuè Carducci held his lessons in Italian literature, a chair that was assigned to him by the Studium of Bologna in 1860.

Address: Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati 3, 40132 Bologna

The Ducati Museum is a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts in Bologna. The museum showcases the history of the iconic Italian brand and its evolution over time. Visitors can experience the thrill of Ducati’s racing heritage, from its early days to current models. The museum also offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and a chance to see some rare motorbikes up close. For fans of speed and engineering, the Ducati Museum is a unique destination that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Bologna.

Address: Via Modena 12, 40019 Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Automobile Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. The museum is Sant Agata Bolognese, a small town between Bologna and Modena.

The museum showcases the history and evolution of Lamborghini cars, with exhibits ranging from vintage models to modern supercars. Visitors can admire the sleek designs and powerful engines of these iconic vehicles, as well as learn about the engineering and craftsmanship that goes into each one. The museum also offers guided tours and interactive exhibits, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most impressive automobiles up close!

There are many great places to stay in Bologna. For the best experience, we recommend staying near Piazza Maggiore (the castle marker on the map below). The area around Piazza Maggiore is the most pedestrian-friendly, surrounded by restaurants and historical shops, and the main streets close to vehicles on the weekends and turn it into a giant pedestrian paradise.

Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

It depends on the specific museum you are referring to in Bologna. Some attractions, like Basilica San Petronio and Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca, offer free admission, while most others have an entrance fee. It is recommended to check the website or contact the museum you are interested in visiting to determine if any fees are associated with entry.

There are several museums in Bologna that showcase art, history, science, and more. Some notable museums in Bologna include the National Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in Bologna. It’s always a good idea to check with local tourism resources or do online research to get a comprehensive list of museums in Bologna.

Bologna is known for its history, cultural heritage, and artistic legacy. One of the main attractions in Bologna is its stunning architectural beauty, with its medieval towers and iconic porticoes adorning the streets. The city is also celebrated for its world-famous cuisine, particularly the hearty and delicious Bolognese sauce that has become a culinary staple across the globe. Additionally, Bologna is known for being home to one of the oldest universities in the world, which has nurtured generations of intellectuals and scholars. With its captivating blend of history, art, cuisine, and academia, Bologna offers a unique cultural experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.