Museo Delle Tavolette Di Biccherna

Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna, Siena: Complete Visiting Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Siena, the Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna offers a rare insight into the city’s medieval civic administration and artistic legacy. Located within the Renaissance Palazzo Piccolomini, this museum houses a unique collection of painted wooden panels—known as “biccherne”—that once served as protective covers for Siena’s financial ledgers from the 13th to the 18th centuries. These exceptional artifacts, created by renowned Sienese artists, are not just administrative relics but also masterpieces that chronicle Siena’s political, social, and religious evolution. Whether you are an art enthusiast, history lover, or a cultural traveler, this guide provides all you need to plan your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, highlights, and practical tips.

For further details, consult the official Archivio di Stato di Siena, Visit Siena Official, and Museionline.

What are the Biccherna Tablets?
History and Artistic Significance
Location and Setting
Visiting Hours and Admission
Booking and Group Visits
Thematic Routes and Collection Highlights
Accessibility and Services
Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
References

1. What are the Biccherna Tablets?

The biccherne are painted wooden panels that originally served as covers for the financial registers of Siena’s chief financial magistracy, the Biccherna. Commissioned from the mid-13th century, these panels transitioned from simple protective covers to elaborate works of art, richly decorated by the city’s foremost painters. They documented the administrative, religious, and civic milestones of Siena, making them invaluable both as historical documents and artistic treasures (Visit Siena Official).

2. History and Artistic Significance

The Biccherna office, established in the 13th century, managed Siena’s public finances and played a pivotal role in the city’s governance (Archivio di Stato Siena). Over time, the biccherne covers evolved from simple, functional items into expressive works by famed artists such as Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, Giovanni di Paolo, Vecchietta, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, and Domenico Beccafumi. Themes range from religious iconography to depictions of political events and everyday life, each panel inscribed with magistrates’ names, dates, and details of significant occurrences (Museionline).

The panels reflect Siena’s civic pride, artistic evolution, and social history, offering a continuous visual record across six centuries. Though some tablets are dispersed in international collections, Siena’s museum preserves the most significant and comprehensive ensemble (Visit Siena Official; Siena Agriturismo).

3. Location and Setting

The museum is housed within Palazzo Piccolomini, home to the Archivio di Stato di Siena, at Via Banchi di Sotto, 52, in Siena’s medieval city center. The palazzo, an architectural gem of the Renaissance, is centrally located and within easy walking distance of Siena’s main attractions, such as Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral. Public transport and parking facilities are available nearby, as the historic center is largely pedestrianized.

4. Visiting Hours and Admission

Opening Days: Saturdays only
Entry Slots: 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM
Closing Time: 1:00 PM
Capacity: Maximum 20 visitors per time slot
Admission: Free, but reservation is required

Visiting hours may be subject to seasonal changes and special events. Always check the official website for the latest updates (Terre di Siena).

5. Booking and Group Visits

Advance reservation is essential due to limited capacity.

Individuals: Book in advance to secure your slot.
Groups (10+): Must reserve via email: [email protected]

Currently, guided tours are suspended, but group visits can be arranged with prior notice.

6. Thematic Routes and Collection Highlights

The museum offers three suggested thematic routes for exploring the collection:

Artistic Attribution: Trace the styles and signatures of Sienese masters across centuries.
Thematic Content: Discover panels illustrating political events, religious scenes, and public works.
The Written Word: Examine the evolution of administrative documentation and decorative motifs.

Collection Highlights:

1258 Biccherna: Features Camerlengo Ugo, the earliest known surviving panel.
1440 Panel: Depicts a mason constructing a fortress wall.
1467 Panel: Shows the Virgin Mary sheltering Siena’s citizens during an earthquake.

Interpretive materials are mainly in Italian; non-Italian speakers may wish to prepare with translation tools.

7. Accessibility and Services

Palazzo Piccolomini is a historic building with some architectural barriers.

Mobility: Accessibility is limited; please contact the museum in advance for support (+39 0577 247145 or [email protected]).
Facilities: Restrooms available; no café or gift shop on site.
Photography: Not permitted inside the museum to protect the artwork.
Library/Reading Room: For researchers, open Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM.

8. Visitor Tips

Book Early: Slots fill up quickly due to limited capacity.
Arrive Early: Allow time for check-in and security.
Language: Bring a translation app or guidebook if you don’t speak Italian.
Combine Visits: Pair your museum trip with nearby sites like the Duomo and Santa Maria della Scala.
Respect the Setting: Maintain silence and follow archive rules.

9. Nearby Attractions

Piazza del Campo: Siena’s iconic medieval square
Siena Cathedral (Duomo): Renowned for its Gothic architecture
Santa Maria della Scala: Historic hospital complex turned museum
Palazzo Pubblico: City hall with famed frescoes

The museum’s central location makes it easy to include in any Siena sightseeing itinerary.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna accessible for those with disabilities?
A: Accessibility is limited; contact the museum before visiting.

Q: How do I reserve tickets?
A: Email [email protected]; reservations are mandatory.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Currently suspended; self-guided thematic routes available.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the museum?
A: No, photography is not allowed to protect the delicate panels.

Q: What languages are materials available in?
A: Primarily Italian; plan accordingly if you require English assistance.

References

Enhance Your Siena Experience

The Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna is a captivating testament to Siena’s blend of art, civic administration, and history. Advance planning is essential due to its exclusive hours and capacity. We encourage you to explore Siena’s other treasures nearby and to stay connected via the museum’s official channels for updates on events, exhibitions, and multimedia resources.

Download the Audiala app for audio tours, follow us on social media, and enrich your journey through Siena’s remarkable past.