Museo Davia Bargellini

Between our disappointing apartment showing and lunch, we went to a museum I spotted yesterday … across the street from Piazzetta and Basilica dei Servi di Maria.

The Museo Davia Bargellini, is housed in a restored palazzo by the same name ... described as “… one of the most significant senatorial structures in Bologna. …” Dating back to the 17th century, the palazzo was renovated in the early 1900s and the museum was opened in 1920. It is one of the four museums that make up Bologna’s Musei Civici D’Arte Antica (Civic Museums of Ancient Art). With no admission charged, it was a good place to while away a few hours.

The seven rooms that make up the museum are filled with pieces from the Davia Bargellini gallery and a collection of applied arts.

On exhibit was everything from old keys and lock plates; to ceramic plates and jars from 17th to 19th century pharmacies; to paintings of mostly a religious nature … with some secular-themed canvases; to examples of Meissen and Murano pieces; to a marionette theater and a miniature palazzo with furnishings; to a sculpted oxen harness and a giant bellow; to a scagliola altar front and period furnishings; to an ornamental wrought iron gate and a gala carriage from the 1700.

And more, and more, and more.

In fact, there was so much to see that small as this museum is, it was overwhelming. We enjoyed it nonetheless. A return visit when we have more time is warranted.Read more