Banknotes in Italy: exhibition at Casa Museo Ivan Bruschi

Banknotes in Italy

The Casa Museo dell’Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi in Arezzo presents an exhibition that traces the development of Italian banknotes from early issues up to the euro. The display features approximately 370 items from the Intesa Sanpaolo collection, loaned to the Fondazione Ivan Bruschi.

Curated by Franca Maria Vanni, the exhibition leads visitors through key phases: notes issued by the Regie Finanze of Turin, pre-unification banknotes, the Banca Nazionale issues of the Kingdom of Italy, and subsequent Banca d’Italia emissions from 1896 up to the euro era.

A dedicated section explains production techniques, with emphasis on watermarking—a historic means to deter counterfeiting. The exhibition also highlights printing firms that produced banknotes before the Kingdom’s central office was established in 1876.

Organized to enhance and share the Foundation’s collection, the show targets both local audiences and visitors interested in numismatics and economic history. Free educational workshops for schools and families and guided tours, including multilingual options, will be available during the exhibition.

Practical information

• Location: Casa Museo dell’Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi, Corso Italia 14, Arezzo
• Dates: 26 March – 24 May 2026
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–13:00 / 14:00–18:00
• Admission: full €5; reduced €3 (partners, over 65, students, military, Intesa Sanpaolo customers, groups over 15); free for under-18s, accompanying teachers, tour guides, visitors with disabilities and their companions, journalists with accreditation, Alumni GDI Academy cardholders. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
• Info & bookings: www.fondazioneivanbruschi.it • email: [email protected] • tel. +39 0575 354126

The exhibition is an opportunity to explore the technical and visual evolution of Italian banknotes and to appreciate their historical and artistic significance.