Museo diocesano Francesco Gonzaga, Religious art museum in Mantua, Italy
The Museo diocesano Francesco Gonzaga occupies a former Augustinian monastery from the 14th century and displays a wide collection of religious artworks. The holdings include paintings, sculptures, jewelry, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, and ceramics sourced from churches throughout the Mantua region.
The museum was founded in 1983 following a successful 1974 exhibition of art treasures displayed at the Ducal Palace in Mantua. This earlier show demonstrated the need and feasibility of gathering scattered religious artworks into a single institutional space.
This museum occupies a former Augustinian monastery and displays religious artworks from churches throughout the Mantua region, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles. The collection shows how deeply sacred art was woven into the lives of local communities.
The museum sits at Piazza Virgiliana and welcomes guests on weekdays through the weekend with accessible entrance for visitors using wheelchairs. Plan your visit with attention to opening times, which follow a Tuesday through Sunday schedule.
The collection features three Flemish tapestries woven in Bruges during the early 1500s, showcasing the refined weaving techniques of that era. Also on display are suits of armor that military commanders donated following the 1495 victory at Fornovo.
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