Exploring the museums in Siena is more than just viewing artifacts; it’s a chance to journey through history, experiencing Siena as past generations did, and gaining a deeper appreciation for this remarkable city. The museums in Siena primarily showcase collections from the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring works by Sienese masters when the city flourished as one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Italy. Visitors often find themselves astonished by the stunning Renaissance paintings and frescoes in Siena, as many mistakenly believe Florence is the sole artistic hub.
Yet, the entire Tuscany region is a cradle of Renaissance art, with many flourishing schools, including the famed Sienese School. You won’t truly appreciate this until you witness some of its masterpieces in person. If your time is limited, make sure to prioritize the first two museums on our list, which feature the most significant works from this renowned school.
Opera Duomo Siena (Siena Opera della Metropolitana)
The Opera Duomo Siena is more than just a museum. It encompasses several buildings, including the impressive Siena Cathedral, which houses the Piccolomini Library featuring frescos by Pinturicchio, the Baptistery (with pieces from Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia), the Crypt, the Oratory of Saint Bernardino, and the museum tucked in the unfinished nave of what was intended to be a colossal new cathedral. Make sure to take the time to admire Duccio’s masterpiece, known as the Maestà.
Be sure to charge your smartphone or bring a camera; the facade of the unfinished cathedral makes for stunning photographs of Siena. From April to October, guided tours of the cathedral’s roof are available. For those wishing to explore all these attractions, consider purchasing the OPA SI pass, valid for three days and offering access to all sites for €17. This pass not only saves you 50% on individual ticket costs but also helps you avoid long waiting lines.
Civic Museum of Siena
Set in the stunning town hall located at Piazza del Campo, the Civic Museum is home to some of the finest works from the Sienese school. Make sure to see the Maestà by Simone Martini, Guidoriccio da Fogliano (likely by the same artist), and the captivating Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Additionally, this museum offers an insightful journey through Siena’s history, showcasing the city’s political and cultural evolution. The Risorgimento Hall, for instance, is adorned with frescos depicting significant moments from the life of Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first unified king.
Admire the 14th-century loggia that provides stunning views of the valley behind the palace. The Civic Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (6:00 PM during winter months). Entrance is priced at €9 per person (€8 with a reservation). Alternatively, you can opt for a combined ticket for both the museum and Mangia Tower at €15.
Santa Maria della Scala in Siena
Experience a bit of everything at this expansive museum complex located just across from the steps of Siena’s cathedral. Once one of Europe’s first hospitals, Santa Maria della Scala served pilgrims, orphans, and the impoverished. The frescoes adorning one of its main rooms provide a fascinating glimpse into life within these walls from the Middle Ages onward.
A section of the museum is devoted to archaeological finds from Roman and Etruscan periods. If you’re visiting with children, don’t overlook the museum’s interactive children’s area on the ground floor. In addition to its extensive collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions from the era of Duccio to contemporary times. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (until 5:00 PM from November to March), with a ticket priced at €9. A combined ticket covering Civic Museum, Santa Maria della Scala, and Torre del Mangia is available for €20.
Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena
If you found yourself enchanted by the artworks at Opera Duomo Siena and Civic Museum, don’t skip the Pinacoteca Nazionale. It’s a delightful place to visit, even in peak season, as it is off the usual tourist trails. Here, you will find masterpieces by Duccio, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers, among other treasures. Beyond paintings, the museum also features sculptures and artworks from the 16th and 17th centuries, including creations by Sodoma and Domenico Beccafumi.
Located in the beautiful Palazzo Buonsignori and Palazzo Brigidi, the Pinacoteca Nazionale is a visual treat. It welcomes visitors every Sunday, Monday, and public holidays from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, and from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays. Individual tickets cost €6, and you can save some money with a family ticket priced at €10 if you’re visiting with kids.
Archivio di Stato in Siena
If you have extra time in Siena, a visit to the centrally located state archive at Palazzo Piccolomini is a must – and it’s free to enter. This collection includes all 105 Biccherne, the city’s historic ledgers (with the earliest dating back to 1258). Traditionally, the elaborately decorated covers were crafted by the leading painters of the Sienese school, such as Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Sano di Pietro. The exhibition also showcases documents related to figures mentioned in Dante’s Divina Commedia and the will of Giovanni Boccaccio.
Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Academia dei Fisiocritici in Siena
Need a change from the art scene? Siena’s Museo dei Fisiocritici is one of our favorite spots in town, perfect for taking a step back in time. It’s one of the oldest and most significant scientific museums in Tuscany, set in a former Camaldolese monastery from the 12th century. While it may not be the Smithsonian, the well-displayed collections, especially the first-floor assemblage of stuffed and mounted animals, are impressive (including a renowned ornithology collection).
Inside, you will find extensive collections divided into four main categories: geological, zoological, anatomical, and botanical. Notable features include the skeleton of a 15-meter fin whale, collections of minerals and fossils, and anatomical preparations from Paolo Mascagni. Located just a short walk from Piazza del Campo, this museum is in a completely tourist-free area and best of all, entrance is free. This makes it a perfect budget-friendly attraction in Siena!
Botanical Garden in Siena
A little further down from the Accademia dei Fisiocritici, the botanical garden is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Renaissance painter Sodoma, so keep your eyes peeled while enjoying the Mediterranean flora. It’s most stunning in May, when wild orchids bloom, but it offers a peaceful escape year-round, perfect for taking a break on a bench under the shade of palm trees. The garden is open daily except Sundays and public holidays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and tickets cost €5 each.
Synagogue in Siena
Just a short walk from Piazza del Campo, the synagogue in Siena is a delightful surprise. Richly decorated at the end of the 18th century, it reflects the history of a beautiful centuries-old Ghetto and some of the darker periods of Siena’s past. The interior features a mix of Neoclassical and Rococo styles, complete with elegant designs, a beautifully adorned Torah Ark, and an Elijah’s Chair from 1860. It’s a worthwhile visit for art enthusiasts. Tickets are €5 per person.
Palazzo Chigi Saracini in Siena
For those curious about how the affluent Sienese lived post-Renaissance, Palazzo Chigi Saracini is a prime example. This Gothic palace, built in the 12th century, belonged to some of Siena’s most prominent families. Music enthusiasts will delight in the Chigiana Academy’s collection of historical musical instruments, including a Stradivari. Be sure to admire Liszt’s piano and the world’s oldest harpsichord. Reservations are required for visits, with tickets priced at €10, and it’s advised not to bring children along.
Palio Museums
If you’ve developed a fondness for one of Siena’s contrade or caught the Palio spirit, each Contrada has its own museum that showcases artifacts related to the Palio, chronicling the participation and race results over the years. If you’re interested, be sure to book in advance. You can find contact details for all 17 Contrade here: Palio Museums.
Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina in Siena
This sanctuary marks the birthplace and childhood home of Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s patron saints. Visitors intrigued by the life of this prominent 14th-century figure can learn about her vibrant yet brief life by exploring the house where she was born in 1347 (the 23rd of 25 children!). There are also remarkable relics of Saint Catherine at the Basilica of San Domenico. Entrance to the sanctuary is free.
Which are the best museums in Siena?
The question of the best museums in Siena is subjective. However, the most visited museums often prove to be the most captivating. Typically, travelers frequent Santa Maria della Scala and Opera Duomo Siena. We recommend making time for Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Academia dei Fisiocritici, especially for families visiting with children. If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Pinacoteca Nazionale either.
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