National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Matera, the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata stands as a testament to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of southern Italy. Housed within the majestic Palazzo Lanfranchi—a Baroque palace built in the late 17th century—the museum invites visitors to explore centuries of art, from medieval sacred works to modern masterpieces. Since its opening in 2003, the museum has played a crucial role in preserving and presenting the region’s artistic legacy, complementing Matera’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its designation as the 2019 European Capital of Culture.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, including historical context, collection highlights, practical information, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions. For detailed updates and additional resources, refer to the museum’s official website and trusted travel sources such as Italia.it and Must Do Travel.

Historical Background

Palazzo Lanfranchi: Origins and Architecture

Palazzo Lanfranchi, constructed between 1668 and 1672, is a quintessential example of Matera’s Baroque architecture. Commissioned by Bishop Vincenzo Lanfranchi as a diocesan seminary, the palace was designed by Francesco da Copertino, a Capuchin friar. Its asymmetrical façade features five niches with statues of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and saints, a distinctive rose window, and a clock. The building’s location, just above the Sasso Caveoso district, creates a symbolic bridge between Matera’s ancient cave dwellings and its later urban development (Italia.it, Matera Welcome).

Foundation of the Museum

Inaugurated in 2003, the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata was established to safeguard, research, and display the region’s artistic patrimony. The choice of Palazzo Lanfranchi as its home not only preserves an architectural treasure but also reinforces Matera’s cultural identity as a center of art and history (Ministero della Cultura).

Collections and Highlights

Sacred Art

The museum’s sacred art collection features paintings, sculptures, wooden icons, and liturgical artifacts from the 13th to 18th centuries. These works originate from regional churches and monasteries, many of which were saved during periods of restoration or closure. Highlights include:

• Painted Altarpieces and Polyptychs: Exemplifying the devotional art and craftsmanship of the region.
• Byzantine and Gothic Icons: Representing the intersection of Eastern and Western Christian traditions.
• Liturgical Objects: Items such as chalices and reliquaries, adorned with precious materials (Artsupp).

Camillo d’Errico Collection

This renowned collection features over 300 Baroque and Rococo paintings from the Neapolitan school of the 17th and 18th centuries. Masterpieces by artists such as Luca Giordano, Francesco Solimena, and Mattia Preti illustrate both religious and secular themes, offering insight into the tastes and cultural life of Basilicata’s historical elite (archaeology-travel.com).

Contemporary and Modern Art

The modern and contemporary sections showcase works by significant Lucanian artists, including:

• Carlo Levi: Known for the monumental Lucania ’61, a panoramic painting capturing the essence of the region, and for his book "Christ Stopped at Eboli." Levi’s works document the landscapes and people of Basilicata (Carlo Levi Foundation).
• Luigi Guerricchio: His paintings and sketches chronicle Matera’s transformation in the 20th century.
• Sculptures: Notably, La Goccia by Kengiro Azuma, symbolizing purity and transformation.

Temporary exhibitions and special events in the Pascoli Room and Sala delle Arcate frequently highlight emerging artists and regional crafts (FullTravel).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

• Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM)
• Closed: Mondays and select public holidays

Holiday hours and special event schedules may vary; check the official website for updates.

Tickets and Booking

• General Admission: €5 (some sources note €3; confirm current pricing before visiting)
• Reduced Admission: €3 (EU citizens aged 18–25)
• Free Admission: Children under 18, Matera residents, disabled visitors (plus companion), and on designated free days such as Italy’s “Domenica al Museo”
• Booking: Tickets are available on-site and online via the official museum website (Ministero della Cultura)

Accessibility

Palazzo Lanfranchi is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Multilingual audio guides and descriptive panels in Italian, English, French, and German enhance the experience for all visitors. Assistance and guided tours for people with disabilities can be arranged (Museo Nazionale di Matera – Didattica).

Guided Tours and Events

Regular guided tours (in multiple languages) can be booked in advance. The museum also organizes workshops, lectures, and cultural events throughout the year. Check the events calendar on the official website for current offerings.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn provide mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Getting There: The museum is centrally located in Piazza Pascoli, easily accessible on foot from the Sassi districts or by local bus. Parking is available nearby.
• Amenities: Clean restrooms, a staffed cloakroom, a museum shop, and benches throughout the galleries.
• Dining: No café on-site, but numerous cafés and restaurants are just steps away in Piazza Pascoli.
• Visitor Tips: Allow 1–2 hours for your visit; photography without flash is generally permitted except in temporary exhibitions.

Nearby Attractions in Matera

• Sassi di Matera: UNESCO World Heritage cave dwellings and rock churches (UNESCO).
• Matera Cathedral: 13th-century Romanesque cathedral with panoramic city views.
• Casa Noha: Multimedia interpretation center for Matera’s history.
• Museum of Contemporary Sculpture (MUSMA): Italy’s only museum of contemporary sculpture set within a cave complex.
• National Archaeological Museum Domenico Ridola: Explores Basilicata’s ancient past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; closed Mondays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: General admission is €5 (or €3, depending on source); discounts are available for students and free entry for children under 18 and Matera residents.

Q: Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the museum is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and services for visitors with disabilities.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via the official museum website.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours in multiple languages are available and can be booked in advance.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the museum?
A: Photography without flash is generally permitted, except in some temporary exhibitions. Please check with museum staff.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: The Sassi districts, Matera Cathedral, Casa Noha, and MUSMA are within walking distance.