Two dossier exhibitions at the Musei Reali for the centenary of Margherita of Savoy

From 21 May 2026 to 6 January 2027, the Musei Reali di Torino present two dossier exhibitions exploring Margherita of Savoy and female imagery within the numismatic collections. The displays are housed at the Biblioteca Reale, the representational apartments of the Palazzo Reale, and the recently reopened Medagliere Reale.

Margherita, First Queen of Italy. History, culture and style between the Palace and the Royal Library

Located in the Biblioteca Reale, this dossier exhibition reconstructs Margherita’s private and public life through mostly unpublished materials: printed books, archival documents, engravings and photographs. Curated by Lorenza Santa, Fabio Uliana and Maria Luisa Ricci, the show highlights the queen’s cultural interests and her role in fostering the arts and music.

• Exhibits include manuscripts, inscribed books, musical scores, historical photographs and official gifts from across Italy.
• Sections dedicated to contemporary music and literature, with references to Manzoni and Carducci.
• Special openings of the first-floor apartments at the Palazzo Reale, allowing visitors to view rooms and furnishings adapted to the queen’s tastes.
• Temporary loan: the sumptuous cradle of Victor Emmanuel III on loan from the Royal Palace of Caserta until 29 September.

The Face of Women. The other side of History

Set up in the Medagliere Reale, this exhibition, curated by Elisa Panero with Patrizia Petitti and Daniela Speranza, tells the stories of emblematic female figures from antiquity to the modern age through medals, coins and seals. The Musei Reali’s numismatic holdings number around 60,000 items, one third featuring female portraits.

• A selection of iconic portraits, including Cleopatra, Messalina, Galla Placidia and more recent figures up to Margherita of Savoy.
• An in-gallery selection complemented by a virtual pathway on the Musei Reali website with further resources and links to related collection items.

Related programmes and visitor information

As part of the Reale Femminile public programme, the Musei Reali schedule curatorial tours and in-depth visits to the historic apartments. Digital materials produced together with the Museo del Risparmio are available online.

• Period: 21/05/2026 – 06/01/2027
• Venues: Biblioteca Reale, Palazzo Reale, Medagliere Reale (Turin)
• Tours: consult the official Musei Reali calendar for bookings and times
• Visitor tip: check the online resources to prepare and expand your in-person visit.

Together these exhibitions provide a comprehensive perspective on Margherita of Savoy and female representation in historical collections, offering access to rare objects and previously unseen documents for both the specialist and the general public.