Ducal Palace of Sassuolo: seasonal reopening, children's guide and

Ducal Palace of Sassuolo: reopening announcement

From 27 March the Ducal Palace of Sassuolo reopens its doors. The historic Este residence, part of the Gallerie Estensi, will be accessible to the public for the season up to 31 December 2026.

Why visit

The palace is a prominent example of northern Italian Baroque. Transformed in the 17th century at the request of Duke Francesco I d'Este and associated with architect Bartolomeo Avanzini, its frescoes, stuccoes and decorative ensembles convey the atmosphere of a courtly "delight" where art, architecture and landscape meet.

Practical information

• Opening period: from 27 March to 31 December 2026
• Days and hours: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (last admission one hour before closing)
• Affiliation: part of the Gallerie Estensi network

Family-friendly initiatives

A new guidebook, "Pimpa alle Gallerie Estensi" (Franco Cosimo Panini Editore), created with the Gallerie Estensi, makes the visit more accessible to children. Featuring the beloved red-spotted dog character, the guide mixes comics and interactive activities to introduce young visitors to the history of the Este family and the museum collections. It is sold in the museum bookshop and will be available in bookstores from April.

Photographic exhibition: Sguardi sul paesaggio

Among the season's highlights is the traveling photographic exhibition "Sguardi sul paesaggio", scheduled from 7 to 22 November 2026. Curated by Ilaria Di Cocco (Ministry of Culture), Graziella Guaragno and Laura Punzo (Region of Emilia-Romagna), the show displays 60 images selected from more than 2,000 entries to a regional contest, portraying protected landscapes—ridges, lakes, forests, waterfalls and lagoons—through citizens' perspectives.

Visitor tips

• Choose weekday visits to avoid weekend crowds.
• Check official Gallerie Estensi channels for updates on guided tours and educational activities.
• The children's guide is recommended for families who want an engaging, educational visit.