Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Módena, Emília-Romanha
Galleria Estense
Art collection of the dukes d'Este in the Palazzo dei Musei, featuring the portrait of Francesco I d'Este by Velázquez, the bust of the same duke by Bernini, and the Tríptico de Módena by El Greco.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Galleria Estense
The Galleria Estense brings together the collections accumulated by the Este since the time they ruled Ferrara. It was opened to the public in 1854 and, since 1894, has occupied the fourth floor of the Palazzo dei Musei, an 18th-century building on the Largo Porta Sant'Agostino, where the Biblioteca Estense and other city museums are also located.
The collection ranges from the 14th to the 18th century. There is Italian painting, with works by Cima da Conegliano, Correggio, the Ferrara school and Guido Reni, as well as sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, medals, ivories and musical instruments that belonged to the court.
Three pieces draw particular attention. The portrait of Duke Francesco I d'Este painted by Diego Velázquez and the marble bust of the same duke sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini are in the same wing. The Tríptico de Módena is a small work by El Greco, painted before he moved to Spain.
The museum has an elevator and step-free access at the side. It usually opens from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the mornings on weekdays it is usually quiet. It closes on Mondays, except on public holidays; check the opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is located in the Palazzo dei Musei, in Largo Porta Sant'Agostino, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Grande via Via Emilia. From the station it is a 15–20 minute walk.
Tip
Take the elevator to the fourth floor and start with the Velázquez and Bernini rooms. If you like old books, ask about visiting the Biblioteca Estense in the same building.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Galleria Estense
What's the highlight of the Galleria Estense?
The portrait of Francesco I d'Este by Velázquez and the bust of the same duke by Bernini, as well as the Tríptico de Módena by El Greco.
On what day is the museum closed?
It usually closes on Mondays, except on public holidays. Check before you go.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. There is an elevator up to the fourth floor and a step-free entrance on the side of the building.