Genus Bononiae: Fondazione Carisbo's cultural legacy in Bologna

Genus Bononiae: Fondazione Carisbo's cultural legacy in Bologna

Genus Bononiae is a distributed museum network that reshaped Bologna's cultural scene through targeted investments and restoration of historic sites. The initiative combines conservation of heritage buildings with a program of exhibitions and public services.

Key sites in the museum network:

• Palazzo Fava – home to the Carracci fresco cycle and a venue for major temporary exhibitions.
• San Colombano – houses a collection of historic musical instruments.
• Santa Maria della Vita – where the renowned Compianto by Niccolò dall'Arca is displayed.
• San Giorgio in Poggiale – a restored former church now hosting a specialist library with over 100,000 volumes and exhibition spaces.
• Palazzo Pepoli – a complex site tied to the city's history, currently managed under agreement with the municipality.
• Rocchetta Mattei – an example of historical restoration located outside the city center.

Over more than a decade the foundation invested tens of millions of euros in cultural projects, acquiring and conserving thousands of works. This effort has enabled Bologna to host high-profile exhibitions that attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, strengthening the city's cultural and tourist appeal.

The programming ranges from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art. Notable exhibitions have included international loaned works and shows focused on modern sculpture, street art movements and artists connected to the Bristol scene. Some initiatives sparked public debate, particularly regarding the removal and relocation of murals and graffiti from urban walls into museum contexts.

For visitors and cultural professionals alike, Genus Bononiae functions as a network offering both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. Venues provide guided tours, publications and educational programs tailored to schools and families.

Practical tips: check each venue's calendar for current exhibitions and opening hours; look for guided tours and special events; use online ticketing for popular shows to secure entry.