The National Art Gallery of Ferrara: a Treasure of the Ferrarese Renaissance

The National Art Gallery of Ferrara is a cultural institution of great importance, offering a complete immersion into Ferrarese art, with a special focus on the Renaissance period. Housed in the prestigious Palazzo dei Diamanti, a 15th-century architectural masterpiece, the gallery preserves the most important collection of local painting, documenting the city’s artistic evolution from the 13th to the 18th century.

A Journey through Masterpieces and Details

The exhibition unfolds through the elegant rooms of the piano nobile of Palazzo dei Diamanti, creating an evocative atmosphere that enhances the artworks to their fullest. The core of the collection is dedicated to the Renaissance, a period of great splendor for Ferrara under the rule of the Este family.

Among the most significant works are:

• 14th- and 15th-century painting: the gallery presents works by the masters who paved the way for the great Renaissance season, including Antonio da Ferrara and Cosmè Tura, founder of the celebrated Ferrarese School.
• The Ferrarese Renaissance: the heart of the museum is devoted to masterpieces by Ercole de’ Roberti and Francesco del Cossa, whose works stand out for their original style, marked by sharp lines, vibrant colors, and profound expressive intensity.
• The Great Altarpieces: the museum hosts important altarpieces and panels from Ferrara’s churches and convents, testifying to the city’s rich religious patronage.
• 16th-century works: the collection continues with the paintings of later masters such as Garofalo and Dosso Dossi, whose art reflects a mature style influenced by Titian and the Venetian school.

The Palazzo dei Diamanti is not only a stunning setting for these masterpieces but also an integral part of the museum experience. Its iconic façade, adorned with more than 8,500 diamond-shaped marble blocks, is itself a Renaissance marvel that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

Visitor Information

• Address: Corso Ercole I d’Este, 21 – 44121 Ferrara (FE)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
• Tickets:
  • Full: €6.00
  • Reduced: €3.00 (for visitors aged 18–25 and other eligible categories)
  • Free: for visitors under 18, on the first Friday of each month (excluding holidays), and other qualifying categories.
• Official Website: www.gallerie-estensi.beniculturali.it/pinacoteca-nazionale-di-ferrara

The National Art Gallery of Ferrara is an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the greatness and originality of the Renaissance in Emilia-Romagna — an art distinguished by its elegance, intensity, and unmistakable identity.

Cover photo credits: Matt Woods, Google Maps