Art and Beauty at Palazzo Lanfranchi: The Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata

In the heart of Matera, overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the famous Sassi, stands the magnificent Palazzo Lanfranchi. Once a seminary, this historic building now houses one of the region’s most important cultural institutions — the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata. Part of the wider Basilicata Museum Network, the museum offers a fascinating journey through centuries of creativity, tracing the artistic evolution of the region from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

A Journey Through the Artistic Heritage of Basilicata

The museum’s exhibition path is an invitation to explore the masterpieces that have marked the history of art in Basilicata. Its rooms display an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects, each reflecting the influences and artistic movements that have shaped the region over time. Among its treasures stands the collection of sacred art, featuring works of deep devotion and historical value, as well as a section dedicated to Lucanian masters, artists who captured the spirit and imagery of their homeland with great sensitivity and originality.

One of the museum’s most renowned masterpieces is the “Crucifix” by Pietro and Donato of Cosenza, a 13th-century wooden sculpture that exemplifies the high level of craftsmanship achieved by medieval art in Basilicata. Other highlights include paintings by southern Italian artists of the 17th and 18th centuries, depicting the religious and social life of their time. Alongside its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art, fostering a dialogue between past and present.

Thanks to its privileged location in the center of Matera, the museum is an ideal starting point for discovering the city’s wonders — a place where art, history, and architecture intertwine harmoniously.

Visitor Information

• Address: Piazzetta Pascoli, 1, 75100 Matera (MT)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.); closed on Mondays. It is advisable to check the official website for updates.
• Tickets:
  • Full: €4
  • Reduced: €2 (EU citizens aged 18–25)
  • Free: under 18s and on the first Sunday of each month
• Contacts:
  • Tel: +39 0835 314115
  • Website: musei.basilicata.beniculturali.it

Cover photo credits: Acquario51, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0