National Gallery of Umbria: art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
Located on the third floor of the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori, the National Gallery of Umbria is one of Italy’s most important medieval and Renaissance art museums. Reopened in 2023 after a major renovation, it now offers a modern, immersive, chronological journey through Umbrian art from the 13th to the 19th century.
Origins of the collection
The collection grew in the 19th century following the suppression of religious orders and the concentration of artworks. The museum was formally founded in 1878 and found a permanent home in the Palazzo dei Priori in 1918.
The 2023 reinstallation
After the 2023 renovation, the gallery now features 32 rooms and more than 500 works, with a clear chronological path, multilingual panels and a strong narrative structure that highlights both art and the cultural, political and religious context of Umbria.
Masterpieces not to miss
The collection includes major works by: Duccio di Buoninsegna – Madonna Rucellai Gentile da Fabriano – Madonna of Humility Beato Angelico – works combining spirituality and Florentine grace Piero della Francesca – Sant’Anna Metterza, a new idea of space and perspective Pietro Vannucci (Perugino) – including the famous Polyptych of Sant’Agostino
Also featured are works by Arnolfo di Cambio, Benedetto Bonfigli, Pinturicchio, Bartolomeo Caporali and many others.
A window onto Umbrian identity
The Gallery is not only about art: it is a story of Umbrian identity, monasteries, guilds and the role of the Church. For the relationship between power and city, see the fall of Rocca Paolina. Rooms dedicated to wood sculpture, goldsmithing, liturgical textiles and manuscripts offer a 360‑degree view of local culture.
Visitor information
📍 Address: Corso Vannucci 19, Perugia (entrance from Palazzo dei Priori) 🕒 Hours: Daily 8:30–19:30 (last entry 18:30) 🎟️ Tickets: Full €10 | Reduced €5 | Free entry on the first Sunday of the month
Where to stay
📍 WellStay Perugia Downtown – Steps from the gallery, perfect for art lovers. 📍 WellStay Perugia Train Station – Great for train arrivals and for combining your visit with the Rocca Paolina.
Visiting the National Gallery of Umbria means immersing yourself in a timeless artistic heritage.