Housed inside the historic Palazzo Madama which is located in the center of the square Castello, the Museo Civico di Arte Antica comprises collection of portraits of the Royal Family, paintings, sculptures, furniture and ceramics collected over time. The museum was founded in 1860 and its collection is spread across 35 rooms of the 4-story structure. Amongst the prized possessions of the museum are pieces of Decorative Arts which were donated to the museum in 1890 by Marquis d'Azeglio.
Sabauda Gallery was established in 1832 through a grant of Carlo Alberto and contains the paintings of the old collection of the Dukes and Kings of the Savoy dynasty. It is one of the most important national art galleries. Apart from the Savoy collections and the wide repertory of works of the Italian masters and the Piedmont school, the gallery also boasts a prestigious collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings.
MAO - Museo d'Arte Orientale located within the Palazzo Mazzonis features a collection of Oriental art from across cultures. The collection is thematically divided into five distinct areas - China, Japan, South Asia, the Himalayas, and Islamic nations. From ancient India to 17th Century Chinese art, the collection spans millennia. A treasure trove of beautiful artifacts from around the world, this museum promises a feast for the eyes as well as food for thought.
The Museo di Arti Decorative is the pride and joy of the Accorsi-Ometto Foundation, founded in December 1999, as requested in the will of the great torinese antiques dealer Pietro Accorsi. All the details of an aristocratic, piedmontese residence of the 18th Century are reconstructed in the rooms of this historic building which was designed by Amedeo Castellamonte. The collection is the fruit of decades of research from all over Italy. Particularly outstanding exhibits are a Madonna from the 15th Century and six Empire style chairs which were a wedding present for Paolina Bonaparte.
If paintings of the great masters such as Canaletto, Canova and Matisse interest you then you must head to the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli. This art gallery, which opened in 2002, was a gift to the city of Turin from the president of the automobile company, Fiat. Sitting pretty in the neighborhood of Lingotto, this art-site exhibits a permanent collection by well-known artists as well as holds temporary exhibitions. When you are tired of gazing through the gallery rest your feet at the food and refreshments section, or browse through the library. For the not-so-art-savvy crowd, there are private tours and audio-guides in Italian and English. Check the website for information on events.