Civic Museum and Art Gallery of Cuneo: A Journey Through Art and History

The Civic Museum and Art Gallery of Cuneo is a cornerstone cultural institution for the city and the entire province. It is not merely an exhibition space but a true treasure chest that unites local history, archaeology, and art in a single, coherent narrative. What makes the experience even more evocative is its setting—one of the most significant and fascinating historic buildings in the area.

The History of a Monument: The San Francesco Complex

The museum is housed within the remarkable Monumental Complex of San Francesco, a building that has witnessed nearly eight centuries of the city’s history. Founded in the 13th century as a Franciscan convent, the complex played a central role in Cuneo’s religious life for centuries. Over time, its function changed dramatically: the building survived wars and sieges, was transformed into a Napoleonic barracks, and, after decades of abandonment, underwent an expert restoration that returned it to its former glory, turning it into a modern cultural hub.

Its imposing Gothic naves, inner cloister, and evocatively restored spaces create a unique atmosphere, where the history of the building blends harmoniously with the collections it houses.

The Collections: A Story That Reaches Back in Time

The Civic Museum’s exhibition unfolds across multiple levels and sections, offering a comprehensive and detailed view of the historical and artistic heritage of the Cuneo area.

• Archaeological Section: this area of the museum takes visitors deep into the origins of the region. It features a rich collection of archaeological finds from local excavations, documenting the lives of the Ligurian and Celtic peoples who inhabited these lands. Roman artifacts such as funerary stelae, ceramics, and coins testify to Cuneo’s importance as a strategic outpost of the Empire, revealing details about daily life, beliefs, and the social organization of the ancient community.
• Historical Section: dedicated to the history of Cuneo, this section recounts the city’s story from its medieval beginnings to the modern era. Particular emphasis is placed on its identity as a “fortress city”, which endured numerous sieges throughout the centuries. Documents, weapons, historic flags, and everyday objects help retrace the defining moments that shaped Cuneo’s identity, highlighting the city’s strategic role between the Alps and the plains.
• Civic Art Gallery: this section houses a precious collection of paintings spanning from the 14th to the 20th century. The exhibition opens with works of late Gothic style, continuing through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with masterpieces by Piedmontese and other Italian artists. The collection extends into the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring works that range from Realism to Symbolism and the artistic avant-gardes of the modern era.

The Museum as a Cultural Hub

The Civic Museum is not only a place of preservation but also a vibrant center for culture and education. It regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, conferences, and workshops for schools and families, helping to keep alive the public’s interest in the history and art of the region. Its central location and the beauty of the San Francesco Complex make it a place for gathering and exchange—a space where the past meets the present and inspires cultural dialogue.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Santa Maria, 10, Cuneo (CN). The museum is located in the historic center, just a few steps from Piazza Galimberti.
• Contacts
  • Phone: +39 0171 634175
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Monday: closed
• Tickets:
  • Full: €5.00
  • Reduced: €3.00 (for students, visitors over 65, groups, etc.)
  • Free: for visitors under 18, school groups, and other specific categories

A visit to the Civic Museum and Art Gallery of Cuneo is an experience that combines the pleasure of historical and artistic discovery with the beauty of a place that is, in itself, a monument to the city’s long and storied past.

Cover photo credits: BelPatty86, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0