Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna is the principal public gallery for Bolognese and Emilian painting, housing works that span roughly from the medieval period through the Baroque. The gallery is recognised for its concentration of regional schools and major masters associated with Bologna.

Galleries present a chronological sequence of paintings including important examples by the Carracci family, Guido Reni and other Bolognese painters; the displays emphasise developments in composition, colour and studio practice within the Emilian tradition. The collection is used for both public display and scholarly study of regional art history.

Much of the collection originated from civic and religious holdings assembled or transferred to public care over the 18th and 19th centuries; later curatorial efforts organised and expanded the gallery into its present national role. The institution serves as a repository for works removed from suppressed religious institutions and donated civic collections.

Located in Bologna’s historic centre, the Pinacoteca Nazionale is within walking distance of other major museums and landmarks in the city.

• Collection focus: The collection focuses on Emilian and Bolognese painting from the 13th to the 18th century and includes major works by the Carracci and Guido Reni.