Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, National art museum in Urbino, Italy
The Galleria Nazionale delle Marche occupies the Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance palace with rooms spread across multiple levels. Inside are paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and decorative objects from the 14th to 18th centuries, arranged to show how art developed over time.
A 15th-century ruler commissioned architects to build this grand palace, which was later adapted into a museum. The conversion to a public art collection happened in the early 1900s.
The collection reflects the tastes of Urbino's Renaissance rulers, who gathered paintings and objects that celebrated learning and beauty. The works here show how local patrons shaped the city into an important artistic center centuries ago.
The museum sits within the old town center, easily reached on foot through winding streets and staircases connecting the exhibition rooms. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing plenty of time helps you explore the various rooms without rushing.
One room within the palace features ornate wooden wall panels with inlaid patterns and portraits of celebrated figures from history and learning. This craft work demonstrates a level of artistic skill that was rarely attempted at such a scale.
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