Museums in Bologna: exhibitions, guided tours and workshops this weekend

Museums in Bologna and surroundings: weekend highlights

This weekend museums in Bologna and the metropolitan area present a varied program: workshops for young people and families, guided tours, special openings and temporary exhibitions. Below is a curated list with practical details, times and booking information.

Main events in the city

• MAMbo (Museum of Modern Art of Bologna) – Saturday at 4:00 PM: workshop for ages 12-15 linked to the exhibition "John Giorno: The Performative Word" (Sala delle Ciminiere). Activities and exhibition access are free; reservation required via email: [email protected] (deadline: Friday 4:00 PM).
• Medieval Museum – Saturday at 5:30 PM: guided visit to the exhibition "Alessandro Moreschini. L'ornamento non è più un delitto" with curator-led insights.
• Museo Morandi – Saturday and Sunday free mediation service to explore the collection, active from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
• Museum of Industrial Heritage – Exhibition on the Lambretta with eight notable models, including a rare 125 da Record and a Lambretta 50 prototype. Opening hours: Thu-Fri 9:00 AM-1:00 PM; Sat-Sun 10:00 AM-6:30 PM.
• Music Museum – Sunday at 5:00 PM "Kindersymphonie, from Mozart to Cage": a sound visit featuring toy pianos and playful instruments.
• Certosa of Bologna – Saturday at 2:00 PM guided tour "Hidden Certosa": explore lesser-known rooms, cloisters and artworks with intriguing stories.
• Archaeological Museum – Ongoing exhibition "Graphic Japan. From Hokusai to Manga"; check Civic Museums listings for schedules.

University museums and special tours

• Palazzo Poggi Museum – Sunday at 10:30 AM guided tour of the new layout showcasing Luigi Ferdinando Marsili's scientific and cultural project.
• Specola Museum – Saturday at 10:00 AM guided tour of the astronomical tower: ascend four floors and reach the panoramic terrace via the spiral staircase.
• Zoology Collection – Sunday at 11:00 AM family walk to discover surprising animal curiosities.

Exhibitions and thematic programs

• La Quadreria and the Church of the Celestini – Second cycle of meetings on the Virtues: Friday 5:30 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM and Sunday 3:00 PM. Online booking recommended.
• Lercaro Art Museum – Thursday at 6:00 PM opening of Luca Moscariello's show "Il drappo e l'uva".
• Palazzo Boncompagni – Exhibit "Michelangelo Pistoletto. From the City of Art to the State of Art"; opening times: Tue-Wed 3:30 PM-6:30 PM, Thu-Sun 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM.

Events in the province

• Castenaso – MUV (Museum of Villanovan Civilization) – Saturday 10:30 AM adult lab "In the Roman house"; Sunday 4:30 PM children (from 6) workshop "Mission Restorer". Bookings: 051-780021 or [email protected].
• Pieve di Cento – G. Campanini Art Gallery – Sunday at 5:00 PM a concert in the "Circostanze" series (free entry until seats run out). Gallery open Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.
• Imola – Palazzo Tozzoni – Sunday at 5:00 PM "Between books and shelves: the count's library": guided visit to the historic library. Free entry until full capacity.
• Pianoro – Pietro Lazzarini Museum of Arts and Crafts – Photo exhibition "Abruzzo, the strength of Nature" open until Sunday March 29 (Sat-Sun 3:30 PM-6:30 PM). Free admission.
• San Lazzaro di Savena – Prehistory Museum "L. Donini" – Sunday: morning animated readings and mini-lab for ages 3-6; afternoon lab for 6-10 years and guided session with flint knapping and fire-making demonstration. Reservation required: 051-465132. The exhibition "Dinosauri in Carne e Ossa - EVOLUTION" is open Sat-Sun (10:00 AM-2:00 PM and 2:30 PM-6:00 PM).
• San Giovanni in Persiceto – Fisica Experience – Sunday at 3:30 PM "Gravity Gaming": interactive lab to explore gravity with experiments and educational games (recommended from 8+). Planetarium on Friday at 9:00 PM: "Pluto and beyond…".

Practical note: several activities require booking or have limited places. Verify schedules and availability on the relevant museum pages or by contacting the indicated phone numbers and emails. For a complete timetable consult the local museums' online agenda.