Civic Museum of Alessandria: A Journey Through the History and Art of the City

The Civic Museum of Alessandria, formally known as the Civic Museum of Palazzo Cuttica, is a key cultural institution that tells the story, art, and identity of this Piedmontese city. Through its rich collections, the museum offers a journey spanning from archaeology to art history, providing a comprehensive portrait of the Alessandria area.

History and the Venue: Palazzo Cuttica di Cassine

At the heart of the museum lies the splendid Palazzo Cuttica di Cassine, an elegant 18th-century noble residence located in the city’s historic center. The building, with its Baroque-Piedmontese façade and richly decorated interiors, is a masterpiece in itself. Having witnessed centuries of the city’s history, the palace has been skillfully restored to house a major part of the civic collections, offering a charming setting that greatly enhances the visitor experience.

Although this is the main site, the museum’s collections are actually spread across several city locations, forming a widespread museum network.

The Collections: A Portrait of the Territory

The exhibition route of the Civic Museum is organized into several sections, each illuminating a particular aspect of the history of Alessandria and its province.

• Civic Art Gallery: the artistic heart of the museum, the gallery displays a valuable collection of paintings and sculptures ranging from the 14th to the 20th century. The works offer an overview of different artistic movements, with a particular focus on Piedmontese artists. It provides an opportunity to admire masterpieces spanning from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, up to the avant-garde of the 20th century, showcasing the evolution of taste and technique over time.
• Historical-Military and Risorgimento Section: Alessandria, with its impressive Cittadella, played a leading role in Italy’s military and political history. The museum dedicates a section to this crucial period, displaying documents, flags, weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia that recount the city’s importance as a military center during the unification of Italy. It offers valuable insight into Alessandria’s role as the “city of fortresses” and its connection with the events of the Risorgimento.
• Archaeological Section: this part of the museum houses finds that document the earliest origins of the territory. Visitors can admire evidence of prehistoric settlements, as well as Roman and medieval artifacts that narrate the life of the peoples who inhabited the area before the city’s foundation.
• Prints and Drawings Cabinet: the museum also boasts a rich collection of graphic works, engravings, and drawings, representing a valuable resource for the study of art and printmaking from the 16th century to the present day.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Parma, 1, Alessandria (AL)
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 348 3373762
  • Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours:
  • Wednesday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Monday and Tuesday: closed
• Tickets:
  • Full: €5.00
  • Reduced: €3.00 (for students, over-65s, groups, etc.)
  • Free: for visitors under 18, school groups, and other specific categories

The Civic Museum of Alessandria is an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to discover the city’s past, admire its artistic heritage, and understand the events that have shaped its identity—all within an architectural setting of great charm.

Cover photo credits: Davide Papalini, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0