Galleria d’Arte del Caminetto
A family-run art gallery in Bologna that has championed ancient and modern art for over fifty years through carefully curated exhibitions and a deep commitment to cultural education.
At a glance
Founded in 1966, Galleria d’Arte del Caminetto occupies a elegant space within the Falcone and Borsellino Gallery. The gallery specializes in old master drawings, Italian maiolica, prints, and sculpture spanning the 15th to 20th centuries, with particular emphasis on Bolognese art and artists.
History
Professors Romana and Paolo Zauli established an art studio in 1962 at Palazzo Salina Brazzetti on via Barberia. Four years later, motivated by solidarity with Florentine antique dealers devastated by severe flooding, they founded the Galleria d’Arte del Caminetto and inaugurated it with an exhibition of Old Master drawings featuring primarily Bolognese artists.
The gallery’s name derives from a beautiful antique fireplace that once graced the noble salon of Palazzo Salina Brazzetti. In 1971, the business relocated to the basement of via Marescalchi—the former “Buca Genasi” and ancient Osteria Toledo—a space journalist Franco Basile memorably described as an “art bunker” in 1977. The gallery later moved to the first floor of the same building before opening at its current location in Galleria Falcone and Borsellino in April 1994, under the direction of Maria Zauli. Since 2018, her son Giovanni Banzi has continued the family tradition.
What you see
The gallery displays old master drawings from the 15th to 19th centuries, Italian maiolica from fifteen different schools spanning the 15th to 18th centuries, and sculpture including 17th and 18th-century Bolognese terracottas. Prints and engravings by Emilian masters occupy prominent positions alongside works by masters such as Guercino, Pelagio Pelagi, and Felice Giani.
Rotating exhibitions feature contemporary installations and historical retrospectives. The Zauli family has also organized exhibitions exploring theatrical design and costumes from celebrated films and operatic productions at Bologna’s Teatro Comunale.
Cultural significance
Over fifty years, the gallery has mounted more than 320 exhibitions, establishing itself as a vital reference point for art collectors and scholars throughout Italy. Its scholarly approach to Bolognese sculpture of the 17th and 18th centuries and its comprehensive treatment of Italian maiolica traditions represent significant contributions to the study and appreciation of regional artistic heritage.
The gallery participates in major national art fairs including Mostrabella in Bologna, Cartantica in Florence, and Artefiera’s modern sculpture initiatives. Through its curatorial vision, the Zauli family has worked to make art accessible and emotionally engaging rather than purely educational.
Key facts
- Founded: 1966
- Address: Galleria Falcone e Borsellino, 4/D, 40123 Bologna
- Phone: +39 051 235292
- Website: https://galleriadelcaminetto.it/
- Coordinates: 44.4926836, 11.3404816
Practical information
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–13:00, 15:30–20:00; Sunday 16:00–20:00; closed Monday. Check the official website for holiday hours and current exhibitions.
Getting there
The gallery is located in Galleria Falcone e Borsellino in central Bologna. Use the provided coordinates and address for GPS navigation or consult local transit maps for public transport options to the gallery.
Sources & resources
- Official website: Galleria d’Arte del Caminetto
- Cultural Heritage Online
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