Museo Della Civiltà Contadina Di Bologna

Museo della Civiltà Contadina di Bologna: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina di Bologna, located within the historic Villa Smeraldi in Bentivoglio, Emilia-Romagna, is an outstanding institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rural heritage and agricultural traditions of the Po Valley. Set amidst English-style gardens, the museum provides an immersive journey into the daily lives, crafts, and farming practices that shaped the Bolognese countryside from the 18th through the 20th centuries. More than a collection of artifacts, the museum also safeguards intangible cultural elements—dialects, oral histories, and traditional knowledge—ensuring a living legacy for future generations.

The museum, born from a grassroots initiative in the 1960s, officially opened in 1973 and has since grown into a vital regional and national cultural center. Managed by the Istituzione Villa Smeraldi, it offers comprehensive exhibits, a renowned hemp cultivation collection, the Pomario orchard of ancient fruit varieties, and dynamic educational programming. This guide presents all the essential information you need for your visit, including opening hours, ticket details, accessibility, and travel tips, as well as historical and cultural insights drawn from authoritative sources (Museo della Civiltà Contadina, Bologna Welcome, Liberamente Traveller).

History and Institutional Development

Villa Smeraldi: From Noble Estate to Museum

Villa Smeraldi dates back to 1783, originally owned by the Counts of Zambeccari. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it evolved with the addition of a Neo-Gothic tower and English-style gardens, serving both as a noble residence and as the heart of an agricultural estate (Wikipedia). Key figures such as Count Gaetano Zucchini and Rigoberto Smeraldi, a renowned agriculturalist, shaped its development. After World War II, the estate was acquired by the Province of Bologna in 1970 to establish a rural life museum.

Foundation and Growth

The museum’s foundation in the 1960s was a community-driven project, with the Gruppo della Stadura (local farmers and agricultural workers) collecting artifacts to preserve disappearing traditions (Museo Civiltà Contadina – Chi siamo; Biblioteca Salaborsa). In 1973, the institution officially opened at Villa Smeraldi, becoming a hub for the documentation and celebration of rural culture.

Institutionalization

In 1998, governance was formalized under the Istituzione Villa Smeraldi, supported by local municipalities and the metropolitan city of Bologna (Museo Civiltà Contadina – Chi siamo). The museum is accredited within both regional and national museum systems (Ministero della Cultura).

Expansion and Collections

The museum now spans over 2,000 square meters indoors, plus a 4-hectare park, and houses approximately 10,000 objects arranged into ten thematic sections, including sharecropping, agricultural cycles, rural crafts, and domestic life (Museumspedia). Additional exhibition pavilions and educational spaces have been added to support its growing mission.

Key Collections and Highlights

Permanent Exhibitions

Hemp Cultivation: Italy’s foremost collection on the economic and social importance of hemp in the Po Valley (Bologna Welcome).
Agricultural Tools and Machinery: Over 10,000 artifacts, including working vintage equipment.
Domestic Life and Rural Culture: Reconstructed farmhouses, kitchenware, textiles, and oral histories.
Crafts and Artisan Traditions: Blacksmithing, carpentry, basket weaving, and shoemaking, often with live demonstrations.
Archives and Documentation: Extensive photographic and oral history collections.

Outdoor and Open-Air Sections

Pomario Orchard: 500 trees, 150 ancient fruit varieties, a living gene bank for agricultural biodiversity.
Reconstructed Rural Buildings and Demonstration Fields: Heritage crops and traditional farming methods.
Park and Landscape: English-style gardens, historic icehouses, and dovecotes (Evendo).

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

Contemporary Art and Rural Heritage: Collaborations with artists, such as the 2025 exhibition “Oltre la forma, dentro la memoria” by Nikola Filipović.
Thematic Exhibitions: Focus on rural architecture, food traditions, and women’s roles in agriculture.
Living History Demonstrations: Seasonal plowing, harvesting, and craft fairs.

Educational and Community Engagement

The museum’s mission centers on education, conservation, and active community involvement. It offers:

Workshops and Guided Tours: For all ages, emphasizing hands-on learning and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Specialized Library and Archives: For research on rural culture and history.
Community Contributions: Locals are encouraged to donate artifacts and stories, with public recognition (Liberamente Traveller).

Visitor Information

Address and Location

Address: Via San Marina, 35, 40010 San Marino di Bentivoglio (BO), Italy
Setting: Within Villa Smeraldi, surrounded by a tranquil English-style park (Museo della Civiltà Contadina official site)

Directions

By Car: Park at Via Mahatma Gandhi, 2/a, Bentivoglio; a 2-minute walk from the entrance.
By Public Transport: TPER bus lines 446 or 447 from Bologna Autostazione to San Marino di Bentivoglio (San Marino Centro stop), then a short walk (Museo della Civiltà Contadina - Visit Info).

Accessibility

Wheelchair access: Ramps and lifts throughout the museum and park.
Visually impaired support: Accessible routes and large-print guides.
Restrooms and Facilities: Accessible restrooms, free baggage storage.
Admission: Free for visitors with disabilities and one companion, with appropriate documentation (Museo della Civiltà Contadina - Accessibility).

Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome in both exhibition and outdoor areas (Museo della Civiltà Contadina - Visit Info).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Regular Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 12:30
Tuesday & Thursday: 14:30 – 17:00
Sunday:
- October – April: 15:00 – 19:00
- May – September: 16:00 – 20:00
Saturday: Closed (open only for pre-booked guided groups)
Ticket Office: Closes 30 minutes before museum closing (Museo della Civiltà Contadina - Hours)

Always check the official website for current hours and any special closures.

Tickets and Admission

Standard ticket: See official site for up-to-date pricing.
Reductions: Available for students, seniors, and Bentivoglio residents.
Free admission: Children under 6, visitors with disabilities and their companion.
Guided tours: €2 per person; minimum group fee €50; reservation required (Museo della Civiltà Contadina - Guided Tours).

Facilities and Services

Guided Tours: In Italian; other languages by request.
Educational Activities: For families and school groups.
Conference Room: Historic frescoed hall for events.
Picnic Areas: Within the park.
Free Baggage Storage: Including for large items.

Visitor Tips

Reserve guided tours in advance, especially for groups.
Allow 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit.
Visit during spring or autumn for the best weather (Wanderlog - Weather in Bologna).
Combine with other local historical sites for a full cultural experience.

Nearby Attractions

Villa Smeraldi Park: Explore the park and its traditional rural architecture.
Church of San Martino: Local parish church with historical significance.
Local Markets: Experience Emilia-Romagna’s culinary and artisanal traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are reservations required?
A: Not for general admission, but required for guided tours and groups.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, at Via Mahatma Gandhi, close to the entrance.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome.

Q: What languages are tours offered in?
A: Primarily Italian; inquire for availability in other languages.

Q: Is the museum suitable for children?
A: Yes, there are educational programs and activities for families and schools.

Contact Information

Phone: +39 051 891050
Email: [email protected]
Official Website: www.museociviltacontadina.bo.it

Plan Your Visit

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina di Bologna is a must-see for those interested in rural traditions, agricultural heritage, and the unique history of Emilia-Romagna. Its extensive collections, educational outreach, and beautiful setting in Villa Smeraldi offer a rewarding experience for visitors of all ages. For the latest updates on opening hours, tickets, and events, consult the museum’s official website.

Enhance your visit with the Audiala app, providing guided tours, interactive content, and up-to-date information on exhibitions and cultural events.