Istituted in 1854 by Francesco V of Austria Este and placed since 1894 in the current seat of the Palazzo dei Musei, the Galleria Estense comprises four large rooms and sixteen small exhibition rooms dedicated to the significant artistic heritage accumulated by the Este dukes since the glorious years of the Ferrara lordship.
Oriented towards an aristocratic collecting tradition with multiple interests, the Estense collections include the rich picture gallery, which houses a remarkable number of paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including a group dedicated to Padan painting, several sculptures in marble and terracotta.
A large core of applied art objects that formed part of the sumptuous ducal wardrobe, in addition to several specific collections such as drawings, small bronzes, majolicas, medals, ivories, and musical instruments. Among the most notable works are The Pietà by Cima da Conegliano, the Madonna with Child by Correggio, the Portrait of Francesco I d’Este by Velazquez, the Triptych by El Greco, the marble bust of Francesco I d’Este by Bernini, and the Crucifix by Guido Reni.
Opening Hours Galleria Estense
from Tuesday to Saturday: 8.30 am – 7.00 pm Sunday: 2.00 pm – 7.00 pm Monday: 8.30 am – 2.00 pm First Sunday of every month: 8.30 am – 7.00 pm, with free admission. Monday, March 28 and Monday, April 25: 2.00 pm – 7.00 pm.
