Giotto in the spotlight in Perugia: Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

Giotto in the spotlight in Perugia: strong turnout at the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria

The exhibition "Giotto and St Francis. A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria", opened on 14 March at the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, is attracting a broad audience of locals, art lovers and tourists. Since opening the show has recorded 15,259 visits, including 5,577 during the Easter weekend.

Attendance and impact

The museum's director reports a 34% increase in visitors in March compared with the previous year, underlining the exhibition's strong public appeal and its ability to combine scholarly research with emotional engagement. When compared with 2025, figures show a 25% rise versus last year's free Sunday and a 173% increase versus Easter day 2025, influenced by differences in free admission days.

Exhibition highlights

Open until 14 June 2026, the show marks the eighth centenary of Saint Francis's death and retraces the artistic ferment in Umbria between the late 1200s and early 1300s. Curated by Veruska Picchiarelli and Emanuele Zappasodi, the exhibition is divided into eight sections and features more than 60 works illustrating the dialogue between Giotto and contemporary masters, as well as the arrival in Assisi of figures such as Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti.

Why visit

• Clear insight into Giotto's role in the emergence of modern art and his interaction with the Basilica of Assisi's workshop.
• Extensive selection of works (over 60) juxtaposing celebrated names and local masters.
• Curated to engage both the general public and scholars with valuable materials and critical perspectives.

Practical information and tips

• Dates: 14 March – 14 June 2026.
• Venue: Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, Perugia.
• Crowds: weekends and holidays are busy; book tickets online to avoid queues.
• Guided visits: check the official site for guided tours and audio-guide availability.
• Accessibility: consult the museum for details on opening hours and visitor services.

The exhibition is a timely opportunity to explore a pivotal phase of Italian medieval art within a distinguished museum setting. Plan ahead to make the most of the visit and look out for related events or educational activities.