National Museum of Matera Palazzo Lanfranchi
A 17th-century palazzo housing medieval and modern art, offering a cultural contrast to Matera's Sassi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Escape the midday sun
National Museum of Matera Palazzo Lanfranchi
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century palazzo housing medieval and modern art, offering a cultural contrast to Matera's Sassi.
"A good contrast to the stone and caves on the surrounding area, with beautiful art and building."
🎨 Explore Carlo Levi's Work
Don't miss the superb Carlo Levi collection downstairs; it's a highlight for many visitors.
⬆️ Ascend for Modern Art
The upper floors host temporary contemporary art exhibitions, offering a different artistic vibe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Carlo Levi Collection
Superb collection of paintings by Carlo Levi, offering a powerful glimpse into his life and work.
Palazzo Lanfranchi Architecture
A stunning 17th-century building with a mellow-stone facade, offering beautiful interiors and great views.
Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Engaging temporary exhibitions on the first and third floors, showcasing modern artistic expressions.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art & Architecture
Plan Your Visit Flow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Explore Carlo Levi's Work
Don't miss the superb Carlo Levi collection downstairs; it's a highlight for many visitors.
⬆️ Ascend for Modern Art
The upper floors host temporary contemporary art exhibitions, offering a different artistic vibe.
📸 Great Views & Photo Ops
The building offers beautiful views and is a picturesque spot, even for wedding photos.
🧐 Seek Out Explanations
Exhibit explanations can sometimes be hard to find, so take your time to locate them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Explore Carlo Levi's Work
Don't miss the superb Carlo Levi collection downstairs; it's a highlight for many visitors.
⬆️ Ascend for Modern Art
The upper floors host temporary contemporary art exhibitions, offering a different artistic vibe.
📸 Great Views & Photo Ops
The building offers beautiful views and is a picturesque spot, even for wedding photos.
🧐 Seek Out Explanations
Exhibit explanations can sometimes be hard to find, so take your time to locate them.
✨ Art Student Perk
Art students often get free access, so check for student discounts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Museum of Matera Palazzo Lanfranchi for its beautiful collection, particularly the Carlo Levi works and the engaging contemporary exhibitions. The stunning 17th-century building itself is also a highlight, offering great views and a pleasant atmosphere. Some guests noted that exhibit explanations could be more readily available, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile cultural experience.
"We had two days in Matera and saw many cave houses, cave churches, cave museums. On the second afternoon we opted for this museum of mainly paintings. We enjoyed it a lot. The art was beautiful and the building itself beautiful too with good views. A good contrast to the stone and caves on the surrounding area."
R M
"Beautiful collection. Upstairs, the colourblock rooms make the paintings even more enjoyable and downstairs the Carlo Levi collection is superb. The building itself is also very pretty, with great views."
Florine M
"There are some interesting things on display here but we found it quite difficult to find our way around the exhibits abdominal explanations are not always easy to find.
The building itself is light and airy and pleasant to walk around. On the day that we visited, newly weds were having their photos taken abdominal it mams a good setting.
The exterior is interesting too."
Ian White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Lanfranchi is located in Matera, near the Sasso Caveoso. It's easily accessible on foot from the historic center. If arriving by car, be aware of ZTL (limited traffic zones) and look for parking outside the old town.
Yes, Palazzo Lanfranchi is situated right next to the Sasso Caveoso, making it a very convenient walk from the main Sassi areas.
While Matera's historic center is best explored on foot, local buses do serve the wider city. Check local schedules for routes that stop near the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website or local listings before your visit.
Admission fees can apply, though art students may receive free entry. It's advisable to confirm current ticket prices online.
Booking in advance is generally not required for this museum, but it's a good idea during peak tourist seasons to ensure entry.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon, tends to be less crowded than weekends or midday.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a collection of medieval and modern art, including altarpieces, portraits, Matera landscapes, and contemporary works.
This is a significant collection of paintings by Carlo Levi, renowned for his powerful depictions of life and work, located on the lower floor.
Yes, the first and third floors often host temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, adding variety to the museum's offerings.
Absolutely! Palazzo Lanfranchi is a beautiful 17th-century building with an interesting facade and pleasant interiors, offering great views.
Some visitors find exhibit explanations can be a bit hard to locate, so it's recommended to take your time and look carefully.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially for temporary exhibitions. It's best to check for signage or ask museum staff about restrictions.
The building itself is very photogenic, and the views from its windows are also excellent. It's a popular spot for wedding photos.
Yes, the museum's location offers good vantage points for capturing views of the Sassi, especially at night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for any interactive elements or children's guides the museum might offer. The contrast between the museum's architecture and the cave dwellings of the Sassi can also be an interesting point of discussion for younger visitors, highlighting different ways people have lived and created art.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the colorblock rooms mentioned by reviewers, as they are designed to enhance the viewing experience of the paintings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection: A Journey Through Time
Complementing the historical pieces, the first and third floors are dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions.
+1Beyond the art itself, the building's architecture is a significant draw. Palazzo Lanfranchi, a 17th-century former seminary, provides a beautiful and light-filled setting for the exhibits. Its mellow-stone facade and elegant interiors enhance the visitor experience, making it a pleasant space to explore.
Palazzo Lanfranchi: More Than Just a Museum
Its ornately carved facade is a testament to the architectural styles of its era, and stepping inside reveals a space that is both grand and inviting. The museum's location offers strategic vantage points for viewing the surrounding landscape. Visitors often remark on the beautiful views, making it a pleasant place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
For those interested in the broader context of Matera, the museum also serves as a gateway to understanding the city's history and culture beyond the famous Sassi. The integration of contemporary art installations, like Tomás Saraceno's 'Life(s) of Webs,' further enriches the experience, showing how historical spaces can be activated with modern artistic interventions.
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