Museo di San Colombano — Collezione Tagliavini
A restored medieval church housing a world-class collection of ancient musical instruments, opened to the public in 2010.
At a glance
San Colombano is a church-turned-museum dedicated to preserving and displaying rare historical instruments. The venue combines sacred architecture with scholarly acoustics, presenting the bequest of musicologist Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini in purpose-built galleries. Concerts, lectures and thematic exhibitions animate the collection year-round.
History
The Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio acquired San Colombano in 2005 and undertook comprehensive restoration, which revealed layers of medieval heritage. Excavations uncovered a medieval crypt, a thirteenth-century burial, and a two-hundred-year-old wall-mounted crucifixion. The museum opened in 2010, transformed into a centre for musical heritage and performance.
What you see
The restored church preserves its sacred geometry while accommodating scholarly display. Medieval structural elements—crypt, frescoes, and stone markers—remain visible within the contemporary museum layout. The interior balances reverence for original fabric with modern conservation standards, creating intimate galleries suited to intimate instrument collections.
Cultural significance
The Tagliavini collection represents decades of curatorial expertise and musical scholarship. By installing it within San Colombano’s historically layered walls, Bologna affirms the deep connections between sound, spirituality, and material culture. The venue functions as both archive and living concert hall, honouring the instruments through study and performance.
Key facts
- Address: Via Parigi, 5, 40121 Bologna
- Coordinates: 44.4966239, 11.3407931
- Phone: 051 1993 6366
- Website: genusbononiae.it
Practical information
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–19:00. Programming includes evening concerts, afternoon recitals, and lectures on music and instruments held at the Oscar Mischiati Library. Check the official website for current schedules and ticket information.
Getting there
San Colombano is located on Via Parigi in central Bologna. Public transport connections and parking options are available near the site; consult local maps for current access routes and any service changes.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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