Margherita of Savoy Centenary: two dossier exhibitions at the Musei Reali in Turin

When: from 21 May 2026 to 6 January 2027

The Musei Reali in Turin open a two-part exhibition program on the centenary of Margherita of Savoy (1851–1926). The presentations occupy the Royal Library and the Royal Coin Cabinet of the museum complex.

Royal Library: history, culture and style

The exhibition "Margherita, first Queen of Italy. History, culture and style between the Palace and the Royal Library" showcases the queen’s personal book collection and features printed books, archival documents, prints and photographs—many on public display for the first time—to trace her intellectual interests and biography.

• Historical overview of 19th-century Turin through maps and period views.
• Archival papers and images documenting key moments of Margherita’s life.
• Literary and musical testimonies, including an autograph manuscript by Alessandro Manzoni and dedications from Giosuè Carducci.
• Objects illustrating late-19th / early-20th-century decorative tastes, with links to the Arts and Crafts movement.

At the same time, the restored eighteenth-century rooms of the Royal Apartment are reopened to visitors to view portraits, porcelain and historical furnishings. A notable loan is the cradle of Vittorio Emanuele III, on loan from the Royal Palace of Caserta until 29 September 2026.

Royal Coin Cabinet: the face of women in numismatics

The dossier exhibition "The Face of Women. The Other Side of History", hosted in the Royal Coin Cabinet, examines how coins, medals and seals have represented female figures through time. The Cabinet’s holdings total around 60,000 items, roughly one third bearing female effigies.

• Comparative display of ancient and modern effigies, from Cleopatra and Messalina to rulers like Catherine the Great and Margherita of Savoy.
• Physical showcases accompanied by digital resources for deeper study.
• Complementary virtual pathway available on the Musei Reali website in collaboration with cultural partners.

Educational activities and public program

Both exhibitions are part of the Reale Femminile program and include events for general audiences, schools and families:

• Curator-led guided tours and themed visits in the historic apartments.
• For the Coin Cabinet: monthly "Three coins, three stories" talks and school workshops.
• A series of discussions titled "If power had a face" on the evolution of the female public image.
• An international scholarly conference on Margherita of Savoy will be held at the Royal Palace from 12 to 14 November 2026.

For opening times, ticketing and program updates, check the official Musei Reali website.