A journey through six centuries: the Museum of Ceramics of Savona

In the vibrant heart of Savona’s historic center, just steps away from the lively streets and squares that tell the city’s story, lies a true treasure: the Museum of Ceramics. More than a simple exhibition, it is a fascinating journey through time that retraces six centuries of ceramic art and craftsmanship, narrating the glorious tradition of Savona and nearby Albisola. Entering this museum means immersing yourself in a tale where clay—shaped by skilled hands and decorated with mastery—becomes an expression of culture, economy, and beauty. Over a thousand works on display compose a rich and evocative exhibition path capable of captivating visitors. Through its rooms, the museum unfolds the history of a production that has made Liguria famous worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to understand how this ancient art has evolved, adapting to the tastes and needs of each historical period while remaining firmly rooted in its origins.

A heritage of history and craftsmanship

The museum route offers a deep immersion into the techniques, decorations, and forms that have defined Savonese and Albisola ceramics from the 15th century to the present day. Visitors can admire early majolica pieces, simple in decoration yet precursors of future complexity, as well as the refined examples of the 17th and 18th centuries, distinguished by their figurative scenes, bucolic landscapes, and textile-inspired motifs. These testify to the influence of various and fascinating European artistic movements that shaped local production. Special emphasis is placed on the famous blue-and-white ceramics, which made Savona and Albisola renowned across Europe—often compared to precious Oriental porcelains for their delicacy and precision. The collection also includes vibrant polychrome pieces, bursting with color, as well as everyday ceramics that, in their simplicity, tell stories of daily life and tradition. More recent works reflect daring artistic experimentation and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation, pushing ceramic art toward new frontiers.

What makes the Museum of Ceramics of Savona especially captivating is its ability to create a dialogue between different eras. Each room opens a window onto a specific period, yet the connections among styles are evident and carefully illustrated, showing how techniques evolved, decorative motifs transformed, and styles cross-influenced in a continuous exchange of ideas and craftsmanship. It is a story of continuity and innovation—of master artisans who carefully passed down their knowledge through generations and of artists who dared to innovate, expanding the expressive potential of ceramic art.

A treasure in the heart of Savona

The museum’s location in the historic center adds further significance to the experience. After admiring the exquisite ceramics, visitors can wander through the charming medieval streets, breathing in the atmosphere of centuries past. The Museum of Ceramics of Savona is not merely a place for preserving artifacts—it is a living, dynamic center that celebrates a rich intangible heritage of knowledge, techniques, and creativity handed down through time.

Address: Via Ambrogio Aonzo, 9 – Savona

Opening hours:

• Monday: 10:00 – 13:00
• Tuesday: 10:00 – 13:00
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10:00 – 13:00
• Friday: 10:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00

Tickets:

• Full: €12.00
• Reduced: €8.00

Contacts:

• Phone: +39 331 891 6650

Website: www.museodellaceramica.savona.it

Cover photo credits: official website