LUCCA MUSEUMS

National Museum Villa Guinigi

The museum holds many finds from prehistory to the roman period. About the Middle Ages, we can find some architectural decorations and examples of Lombard goldsmith. At the top floor there are many paintings that cover a time span going from the 12th to the 18th century.

 

National Museum Palazzo Mansi

Palazzo Mansi was built between 1500 and 1600, partly using older structures. Some works during the XVII and XVIII centuries gave the rooms and vaults the current look.

The visit begins with the mirrors room, follows the music salon and the small chapel of the palace, then three lounges upholstered with Flemish tapestry. The furniture of the Palace is very interesting, as well as the bedrooms.

 

Giacomo Puccini's birthplace

Puccini family moved in this house in 1815. Giacomo Puccini was born on December 22nd, and in this house he lived his childhood, before moving to Milan to conitnue his studies. Inside the house are hosted many precious objects owned by the musician: the piano on which the Turandot was composed, sketches, works, costumes, letters and pictures.

 

Risorgimento Museum

Hosted in some of the rooms of Palazzo Ducale, it contains many findings coming from the historical period going from 1850 to WWI. There are also many weapons from various periods and nations.

 

Historical Museum of Liberation

Various material and publishings concerning the Liberation war, with a section dedicated to the partisan struggle in the territories of Lucca.

 

Botanical Garden

Established in 1820 by Maria Luisa di Borbone, it is divided into two sections: one with the arboretum, a pond and small plants; another contains a greehouse, laboratories and a botanical school. The collection of medicinal plants is the biggest in Italy.

 

Lu.C.C.A Lucca Center of Contemporary Art

It is a new museum, dedicated to contemporary arts, located inside Palazzo Boccella, near Piazza Anfiteatro. It hosts some temporary exhibitions.