One of the world’s foremost ceramic art museums, housing masterworks spanning millennia—from ancient Mediterranean wares to contemporary studio ceramics.
At a glance
The M.I.C. International Museum of Ceramics holds one of the most comprehensive ceramic collections globally. Its exhibition rooms display Italian ceramic workshops from the Middle Ages through the nineteenth century, works from the Ancient Near East, Hellenistic Mediterranean pieces, pre-Columbian vessels, and Islamic ceramics. A substantial section is devoted to modern and contemporary works, reflecting the living tradition of ceramic art.
History
Founded in 1908, the museum has grown into a major institutional presence in Faenza, the historic centre of Italian majolica production. Since 1963, it has organised a biennial international competition on artistic ceramics, enabling the acquisition of significant works from artists worldwide and strengthening its position as a global authority on the medium.
What you see
The permanent collections span geographic regions and historical periods. Visitors encounter ancient ceramics alongside Renaissance majolica, Islamic glazed wares next to pre-Columbian forms. The contemporary wing presents studio ceramics and industrial design, demonstrating ceramic art’s evolution into the twenty-first century. Each section illuminates distinct aesthetic traditions and technical innovations.
Cultural significance
The museum represents ceramic culture in its broadest sense—from functional tableware to sculptural expression. In 2011, UNESCO recognised it as a “Monument witnessing a culture of peace”, acknowledging its role in fostering international artistic dialogue and cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of clay.
Key facts
- Address: Viale Alfredo Baccarini, 19, 48018 Faenza
- Coordinates: 44.2898224, 11.8814036
- Phone: 0546 697311
- Website: http://www.micfaenza.org
- Founded: 1908
- UNESCO recognition: 2011
Practical information
Opening hours and admission fees are not listed; consult the official website for current visiting times and ticket information before your visit.
Getting there
The museum is located in Faenza, Emilia-Romagna, in the Romagna region of northern Italy. From Bologna, the city is accessible by train (approximately one hour). Once in Faenza, the museum sits on Viale Alfredo Baccarini in the town centre.
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