Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica
Opened in 2004, this international music museum and library occupies the elegant Palazzo Sanguinetti in Bologna’s historic centre, presenting one of Italy’s richest collections of musical heritage.
At a glance
The International Music Museum and Library brings together an expansive collection of musical instruments, scores, documents and recordings previously held in municipal storage. The museum’s varied exhibition pathway offers visitors access to Bologna’s significant musical legacy.
History
The museum was established to fulfill a dual purpose: to demonstrate Bologna’s historical importance as a centre of musical innovation and to make the city’s extensive musical holdings accessible to the public. For decades, these treasures remained largely inaccessible in archival storage. The 2004 inauguration at Palazzo Sanguinetti resolved this gap, creating a dedicated space for exhibition and study.
What you see
The museum occupies the prestigious Palazzo Sanguinetti in Bologna’s historic core. Within its rooms unfolds a diverse exhibition pathway showcasing musical instruments, manuscripts, printed scores and archival materials that document Bologna’s role in European musical tradition.
Cultural significance
Bologna has long been recognised as a vital centre of musical development in Italy and Europe. This museum preserves and interprets that legacy through its collections, offering scholars and general audiences alike a window into centuries of musical innovation, composition and performance in the city.
Key facts
- Address: Str. Maggiore, 34, 40126 Bologna
- Coordinates: 44.4927807, 11.3501874
- Phone: 051 275 7711
- Website: http://www.museibologna.it/musica
Practical information
Opening hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:30.
Admission: Full ticket €5.00; reduced €3.00 for visitors over 65, ages 18–25, groups of 10 or more, and cardholders of designated city schemes. Free admission on the first Sunday of each month; for visitors under 18, secondary and university students, school groups, people with disabilities and companions, ICOM members, and holders of Metropolitan Museum Cards and Bologna Welcome Cards.
Getting there
The museum is located on Str. Maggiore in central Bologna, easily reached on foot from the historic centre. Public transport and parking information are available from the official website.
Sources & resources
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