Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia in Ferrara early 1900s

Museo Del Risorgimento E Della Resistenza

Museo del Risorgimento e della Resistenza Ferrara: Visiting Hours, Tickets, Restoration, and Historical Insights

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Ferrara, Italy, the Museo del Risorgimento e della Resistenza is a vital institution dedicated to preserving and narrating two transformative chapters of Italian history: the 19th-century Risorgimento, which culminated in national unification, and the heroic Resistance against fascism and Nazi occupation during World War II. The museum’s collections, exhibitions, and educational programs provide a rich, multidimensional perspective on Ferrara’s central role in shaping Italian identity, democracy, and civic engagement. Whether you are a historian, student, or traveler, this guide offers comprehensive information on the museum’s history, collections, visiting details, and current restoration status.

Exterior view of Museo della Resistenza Ferrara with clear blue sky

Introduction
Historical Evolution of the Museum
Visiting Information
Highlights of the Collections
Educational Initiatives and Research
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
Stay Updated
References and Resources

Historical Evolution of the Museum

Origins and Foundation

The Museo del Risorgimento e della Resistenza was established to protect and celebrate the local legacy of Italian unification and the anti-fascist movement. Its mission is threefold: to conserve historical artifacts, promote civic values, and provide educational opportunities for all ages. The museum’s holdings reflect Ferrara’s turbulent journey from foreign domination to a beacon of liberty and resistance (Ferrara Terra e Acqua).

Ferrara in the Risorgimento

The museum’s earliest collections trace Ferrara’s role during the French occupation and the rise of secret societies like the Carbonari. Local patriots such as Succi, Malaguti, and Luigi Parmeggiani are honored through personal mementos and documents. Exhibits highlight:

The Bersaglieri del Po volunteer corps (1848), with original uniforms, flags, and weaponry
Relics from the short-lived Cispadane Republic, the first to adopt the Italian tricolor flag
Artifacts salvaged from the Papal Fortress, symbolizing Ferrara’s strategic importance

Twentieth-Century Expansion and the Resistance

The museum’s scope expanded to cover World War I, Italian colonialism, and especially the Resistance. Key exhibits include:

Clandestine publications and partisan weapons
Artifacts and documents from Ferrara’s Jewish community during the Holocaust
Testimonies and memorabilia linked to the assassination of Don Giovanni Minzoni and the repression of local anti-fascists
Personal items of Alda Costa, a socialist teacher and prominent anti-fascist

(Ferrara Info)

Visiting Information

Current Restoration and Relocation

Status: The museum is currently closed for a major restoration and relocation project. The move from Corso Ercole I d’Este 19 to the historic Casa della Patria “Pico Cavalieri” (Corso Giovecca 165) will ensure seismic safety, architectural preservation, and a fully modernized visitor experience. Restoration began in 2023, with reopening anticipated in 2025 (Comune di Ferrara; La Nuova Ferrara).

Objectives:

Seismic consolidation and safety upgrades
Restoration of historic features
Modern, accessible exhibition design with interactive displays
Advanced climate control and security for conservation
Digitization of archives to support research and public access

During closure, the Documentation Center at Porta Paola (Via Donatori di Sangue 22) remains open by appointment, providing archival access for research and educational activities (Musei Ferrara).

Projected Reopening and New Facilities

Upon reopening, the museum will offer:

Barrier-free access (elevators, ramps, tactile and audio guides)
Multimedia and interactive exhibits
Thematic and narrative pathways focusing on both local and national history
Enhanced educational spaces for workshops, lectures, and school visits

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Full wheelchair accessibility (ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms)
Audio guides and braille materials available
Assistance for visitors with special needs (by prior arrangement)
All exhibition floors and facilities will be fully accessible

Tickets, Hours, and Guided Tours

Projected Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Closed Mondays and major public holidays

Ticketing:

Details and pricing to be announced closer to reopening; previous admission ranged from €5–€8 with reductions for students, seniors, and free entry for children and residents on select days
Online and on-site ticketing will be available
Guided tours (in multiple languages) by expert historians; advance booking recommended
Group discounts and school tours offered

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Located in Ferrara’s historic center, near Este Castle, Palazzo dei Diamanti, and other major sites
Accessible by public transport; parking available nearby
Weekday mornings recommended for a quieter visit
Combine your visit with other cultural landmarks for a full Ferrara experience

Highlights of the Collections

Risorgimento Artifacts

Military uniforms showing the evolution of Italian attire
Flags and banners from the Cispadane Republic and local volunteer corps
Personal effects of executed Ferrarese patriots
Weapons and regalia used during the Wars of Independence

Resistance and 20th-Century Documents

Partisan weaponry, clandestine publications, and legal records from the Special Law Court
Artifacts commemorating the Jewish community and the destruction of Ferrara’s synagogue
Testimonies and memorabilia from key Resistance figures

Artistic and Material Culture

Paintings, sculptures, satirical prints, and posters reflecting public sentiment during crucial periods
Original relics from the demolished Papal Fortress

(Musei Ferrara; Antica Ferrara)

Educational Initiatives and Research

Special exhibitions mark anniversaries and spotlight new acquisitions
School workshops, lectures, and digital access to collections
Documentation Center at Porta Paola supports academic research and public engagement

(Artsupp)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When will the museum reopen?
A: The reopening is projected for 2025, following the completion of restoration works.

Q: Can I access museum materials during closure?
A: Yes, the Documentation Center at Porta Paola is open by appointment for research and educational purposes.

Q: Will the museum be accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Absolutely. The renovated museum will feature ramps, elevators, and specialized resources for all visitors.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Ticketing information and online sales will be available closer to reopening. Check the official website for updates.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours will resume upon reopening and can be booked in advance.

Plan Your Visit

New Address: Casa della Patria “Pico Cavalieri,” Corso Giovecca 165, Ferrara
Documentation Center (for research/archives): Porta Paola, Via Donatori di Sangue 22, by appointment
Official Websites:

Stay Updated

Follow the museum’s official channels and social media for reopening dates, events, and news
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and real-time updates
Explore virtual tours and interactive content via the official website