A journey through art and history: the Civic Museums of Palazzo Buonaccorsi in Macerata

In Macerata, in the heart of the Marche region, lies a true gem — a place where time seems to stand still and beauty reveals itself in every form: Palazzo Buonaccorsi. Within its historic walls, the Civic Museums come to life — not simply an exhibition, but an immersive experience that transports visitors through centuries of art and history.

A Timeless Journey Through Artistic Masterpieces

The Civic Museums of Palazzo Buonaccorsi welcome visitors into a dialogue of styles and eras, inviting them on a three-stage journey.

The first stage leads into the realm of Ancient Art, culminating in the majestic Gallery of the Aeneid. From the very first glance, one is surrounded by a triumph of Baroque frescoes that animate the walls, vividly narrating the epic deeds of Virgil’s poem. In the adjoining rooms, Flemish, Italian, Neapolitan, and Venetian paintings converse with one another — among them, portraits of distinguished figures from Macerata’s history.

The journey then moves toward the Modern Art section, where the 20th century unfolds in all its creative energy, with special attention given to the innovative wave of Macerata’s Futurism of the 1910s and 1920s. The collection grew over time, thanks to the efforts of the Gruppo Boccioni (1932–1944) and the prestigious national painting awards Premio Scipione (1955, 1957, 1964). Each work represents a fragment of history — a mosaic piece that composes the artistic evolution of both local and national culture.

Palazzo Buonaccorsi, however, is not limited to its permanent collections. It is a vibrant and dynamic space, constantly renewed through temporary exhibitions that create unexpected dialogues between past and present — such as Renata Boero. Teleri and Vis-à-vis, which juxtapose ancient portraits with contemporary works.

A Breath of Antique Elegance: The Carriage Museum

Descending into the former stables of the palace, visitors discover another treasure: the Carriage Museum. Inaugurated in 1962 and relocated here in 2009, it opens a window onto an age of grace and slow rhythms, when life moved to the elegant gallop of horses.

The museum features 24 historical vehicles, each with its own story — from luxurious noble carriages to practical working models. Visitors can also admire a wide range of equestrian objects: finely crafted saddles, gleaming harnesses, bridles, whips, and even horseshoes. The exhibition design is meticulous, enriched with descriptive panels and touch-screen displays that guide visitors through this fascinating journey in time.

The route is organized into four evocative sections: travel carriages, witnesses of long adventures; light carriages, used for leisurely rides; miniature children’s carriages; and sporty ones, designed for races or the sheer pleasure of movement.

Among the most valuable pieces is an exquisite 18th-century hand sedan chair, donated by the noble Castellani family of Treia, and a magnificent 19th-century Wourche model carriage, crafted by Macerata’s master coachbuilder Vincenzo Pacchella, a gift from the Castiglioni Pietramellara family.

The highlight of the experience is the interactive virtual carriage, an innovative installation that allows visitors to relive the emotion of a historic journey, choosing from scenic routes through the enchanting Macerata countryside.

Address: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 24, Macerata

Opening Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00

Tickets:

• Full price: €9.50
• Reduced: €7.00

Contacts:

• Phone: +39 0733 256361

Useful Link: https://musei.macerata.it/

Cover photo credits: Macerata Musei