The National Gallery of Cosenza: a treasure of art in a historic palace

In the heart of the old city of Cosenza, in an area rich in history and culture, rises the imposing Palazzo Arnone, an eighteenth-century masterpiece that, after serving for centuries as a courthouse and prison, has been restored and transformed into a prestigious cultural institution: the National Gallery of Cosenza.

This museum is not only a guardian of masterpieces but also the main point of reference for Calabrian and Southern Italian art, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the centuries — from the Baroque period to contemporary art.

Even the building itself is worth a visit. Its vast halls and evocative courtyards tell stories of power, justice, and, in the past, suffering. The massive walls and solid foundations that once contained courtrooms and prison cells now host the delicacy and beauty of art. This striking contrast creates a unique atmosphere, one where history and art engage in a deep and unexpected dialogue.

The Collections: A Look at the Art of Southern Italy

The permanent collection of the National Gallery of Cosenza is a true treasure trove, with a special focus on Southern masters. The exhibition spans from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, showcasing paintings and sculptures that narrate the evolution of artistic expression in Southern Italy.

• The Seventeenth Century and the Baroque:
  The section dedicated to Baroque art is particularly rich, featuring canvases by the great Calabrian master Mattia Preti, also known as Il Cavalier Calabrese. His works — characterized by dramatic lighting and intense chiaroscuro — form the heart of the collection and highlight the importance of Neapolitan and Calabrian painting in the seventeenth century. Other major artists, such as Luca Giordano, also enrich this section.
• The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries:
  The following rooms trace the artistic evolution from Neoclassicism to Romanticism, leading to the artistic currents of the late nineteenth century. Visitors can admire works by painters who shaped both the regional and national artistic landscape, including the Gagliardi brothers.
• The Twentieth Century:
  The gallery continues with modern and contemporary art, featuring paintings and sculptures that reflect the diversity of twentieth-century movements, providing a vivid overview of Calabrian and Italian creativity up to the present day.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Gian Vincenzo Gravina, 87100 Cosenza (CS)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0984 795639
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission 6:30 PM)
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (last admission 12:30 PM)
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tip: Check the official website before visiting, as hours may vary.
• Tickets:
  • Full price: €4.00
  • Reduced: €2.00 (EU citizens aged 18–25)
  • Free: Under 18s, school groups, journalists, and other eligible categories

Visiting the National Gallery of Cosenza is an experience that goes beyond simply admiring artworks — it is an opportunity to discover the artistic soul of Calabria, immersing oneself in a setting rich with history, emotion, and timeless beauty.

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