Glauco Lombardi Museum: a Journey into the Duchy of Parma

The Glauco Lombardi Museum, located in the heart of Parma, is a unique cultural institution that offers an intimate and captivating glimpse into the life and art of the ducal court of Maria Luigia of Austria, Duchess of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla. Unlike a traditional museum, it is not merely a collection of objects but a carefully curated historical reconstruction that allows visitors to fully experience the atmosphere and charm of an extraordinary era.

A Journey through Taste and History

The museum is the result of the passion and perseverance of Glauco Lombardi, who dedicated his life to collecting and preserving tangible evidence of Parma’s ducal period (1816–1847), with particular focus on Maria Luigia, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. The rooms of the museum are arranged to recreate the refined environments of the time, offering an immersive and evocative experience.

The collections include:

• Portrait of a Duchess: the most celebrated section, dedicated to Maria Luigia herself, features an extensive collection of portraits, personal belongings, dresses, jewels, and even her carriage. Among the highlights are her travel necessaire and elegant toiletry sets, which reveal her refined taste and personality.
• Ducal Art and Furnishings: this section displays artworks, furniture, musical instruments, and decorations from the ducal residences of Parma, such as the Palazzo di Colorno and Palazzo del Giardino. These pieces not only embody exquisite craftsmanship but also reflect the aesthetic and lifestyle of the court.
• Napoleonic Memories: the museum also preserves artifacts linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, offering a comprehensive picture of the dynastic and personal ties that shaped 19th-century European history.

The elegant layout, meticulously designed in every detail, tells history not only through art but also through everyday objects, making the past incredibly vivid and tangible.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Garibaldi, 20 – 43121 Parma (PR)
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday and holidays: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Closed on Mondays. (Visitors are advised to check the official website for updated schedules.)
• Tickets:
  • Full: €8.00
  • Reduced: €5.00 (for seniors over 65, students, and other eligible categories)
  • Free: for visitors under 18 and other categories as specified.
• Official Website: www.museolombardi.it

The Glauco Lombardi Museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Parma — an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in an age of elegance and discover the story of one of the most fascinating and complex female figures of the 19th century.

Cover photo credits: G. Gabelli, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0