Easter 2026: museums and special openings across Italy

Easter 2026: museums and special openings across Italy

The Easter long weekend is a great chance to visit museums: many Italian institutions schedule special openings, free entry days and activities for families. Below is a practical overview by region and city.

Milan

In Milan several civic museums participate in the first-Sunday initiative, offering free admission on Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026). Notable venues include:

• Castello Sforzesco – civic collections and exhibition spaces.
• Acquario Civico and Natural History Museum.
• GAM – Gallery of Modern Art and Museum of the Twentieth Century.
• Palazzo Reale – major exhibitions open on both Easter Sunday and Monday.
• MUDEC – permanent collection and temporary show with free access.

Trentino

In Trentino special openings and family-focused events are planned, including traditional Easter egg hunts in parks and historic estates:

• Buonconsiglio Castle and local castles offering guided visits.
• Fiavè Palafitte Museum and the surrounding archaeological park with children’s programs.
• Reduced admission at some museums and revamped exhibitions in local centers.

Piedmont

In Turin and nearby sites several museums allow free access on Easter Sunday:

• Villa della Regina and the Royal Museums.
• Palazzo Carignano with open displays.

Emilia-Romagna

The region joins the first-Sunday openings with many institutions accessible at no cost on Easter Sunday. Highlights include:

• Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna.
• Mausoleum of Theodoric and Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna.
• Galleria Estense in Modena.

Florence

Several Florentine museums open for free on the first Sunday: the Accademia, Bargello and other sites welcome visitors on Easter Sunday, while regular ticketing generally applies on Easter Monday.

• Galleria dell'Accademia – free entry on the designated Sunday.
• Bargello, Orsanmichele complex and the Medici Chapels.

Marche

The Marche region combines cultural, religious and natural attractions: archaeological sites and parks are open alongside museum exhibitions.

• Palazzo Mosca and Pesaro exhibition sites.
• Roman amphitheatre and regional galleries in Ancona.
• Natural destinations like the Frasassi Caves and Lake Fiastra.

Rome

Rome offers an extended program of special openings, guided tours and free educational activities for the Easter week; many civic museums and archaeological areas will be accessible, including on Easter Monday in selected sites.

• Musei Capitolini, Galleria Borghese and Castel Sant'Angelo.
• Colosseum Archaeological Park and Ostia Antica with tailored visits.

Naples

In Naples the Romantic Garden of the Royal Palace reopens for the season and other cultural venues plan activities for the Easter weekend.

Practical tips

• Check schedules and bookings: many exhibitions require advance reservation even on holidays.
• Confirm ticket rules: free access on the first Sunday does not always extend to Easter Monday.
• Family programs: look for workshops and interactive tours if visiting with children.

This overview helps plan museum visits during Easter 2026: for the most accurate information on opening hours, ticketing and event programs consult the official pages of each museum before you go.